USA uses six-run rally to beat Spain

Spain challenged the USA for two-thirds of the game, then the defending champions used a six-run rally to open the score and cruise to an 8-3 win.

The USA were quick in getting on the scoreboard against Justin Luna. Usual suspect Pete Crow-Armstrong led off with a double and then scored on a base hit by left fielder Robert Hassell. A sacrifice fly by designated hitter Tyler Soderstrom made it 2-0.

Spain’s hitter showed no fear against flame thrower Mick Abel.

Fire alert: @Mickabel13 up to 156 km/h 97 MPH 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

LIVE: SPAIN v USA https://t.co/jtWlSHJhCv #U18WorldCup @usabaseball18u @rfebs pic.twitter.com/Uad74iTMxD

— WBSC ⚾ #U18WorldCup (@WBSC) September 3, 2019

The right-hander was saved in the bottom of the third by a perfect leaping catch by second baseman Hunter Haas on a line drive by Jostin Castillo. Spain got to him in the bottom of the fourth, when base hits by first baseman Ruben Fernandez and second baseman Yan Cepero tied the game.

Abel gave up a walk to lead off the bottom of the fifth and went to the showers. Reliever Alejandro Rosario showed even harder stuff than Abel. He quickly got to the end of the inning, but then gave up the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Juan Gonzalez led off with a double, got to third on a ground out and scored on a sacrifice fly by Pol Rodriguez.

Luna left after walking the first batter of the seventh. It was the start of the six-run rally that reversed the lead and opened the score.
Crow-Armstrong and Hassell welcomed reliever Eduardo Dominguez with back to back doubles to tie the game. Soderstrom followed with a one-out double to give the lead back to the USA. Spain intentionally loaded the bases, but Dominguez allowed two more walks and shortstop Milan Tolentino doubled off Frank Hernandez, the third pitcher by Spain.

Robert Hassell moved to the mound to get the last three outs.