Argentina 7-3 New Zealand: Biondi keeps Argentina in bronze medal hunt

Luciano Biondi went 4-for-4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs to lift Argentina to a 7-3 win over hosts New Zealand on Friday in the Super Round of the U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup in Calquhoun Park in Palmerston North in New Zealand.

The win confirmed Argentina's spot in the playoff for the bronze medal against either the Czech Republic or Japan, depending on later results, and eliminated New Zealand from contention of finishing on the podium for the sixth time in 13 editions.

The Junior Black Sox are now confirmed in fifth place, ahead of Guatemala in sixth having beaten them earlier in the tournament, despite the result of the final Super Round games on Saturday where New Zealand plays Australia and Guatemala takes on Argentina.

Lautaro Garcia also proved his commitment to his squad as he earned two runs that padded the lead over the host nation. Argentina pitcher Franco Saenz also played outstandingly in all seven innings as he struck out 11 batters to contain the upsurge of their rivals.

Biondi scored on a fielder’s choice in the top of the first inning for Argentina. The Argentine side started another strong run after two scoreless innings. Franco Godoy led off Argentina’s fourth inning with a walk and then scored on a defensive error.

Pinch runner Julian Reitober came in for Ramiro Pintos at second base, while Garcia got an intentional walk, forcing New Zealand to make a pitching change with Dylan Jackson replacing Liam Jardine-Ngauamo. However, Biondi delivered a 2 RBI triple deep right centre to mount a 4-0 lead.

Te Kirika Cooper-Nicola gave New Zealand its first run on the board for the host team in the bottom of the fifth inning after a throwing error by short stop Godoy, trying to complete a double play. New Zealand continued to charge through as Levi Wilson reached home plate after Ciaran Bolger triples to deep right field, setting himself to help his side with their third run to cut down the lead to within one at 4-3.

Argentina did not give in to the pressure of the hosts and made a compelling finish to the ballgame scoring three more runs to seize victory at 7-3 after Garcia, Biondi and Bogdan Becic all scored.