Mullins scores on wild pitch, lifts USA past Philippines

Nicholas Mullins scored the United States’ only run from the third base, off a wild pitch, to record a 1-0 victory on opening day of the XVII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup at Rosedale Park.

World No. 7 USA played a tactical game on the pitching side as they utilised their bullpen, switching three different pitchers in the game.

It took two and a half scoreless innings for USA to carve out the run that would guarantee their win. Tyler Johnson was the first one to be struck out by Filipino pitcher Leo Barredo, but Mullins recharged their offense with a walk.

Blaine Milheim doubled down the right field line, making way for Mullins to run on third, eventually scoring for his team with Milheim moving to third base on a wild pitch.

Finally, Barredo had an answer to the surge, as he struck out Cameron Schiller and Erick Ochoa to end action in the third inning.

The pitching change occurred on the top of the fourth, as Jon Gwizdala replacing starter Jerlin Rutt, giving the North American side a hold of their opponents in the next two frames. Bradley Kilpatrick came in to close the next two scoreless innings for the United States.

Quotes - USA Coach Ron Hackett

“Tough game. Probably not what the coaches or players would have wanted from that game. Any time you are in the WBSC World cup pool play with the 12 best teams in the world, then a win is a win. Even thought it may not have been what you wanted, you take, build on it and move forward.

“It is not an excuse, but it is challenging to have talent athletes who go and want to win, who have been working hard with consistent swings all week long, we come out in the morning for some practice, we have the opening ceremony then a lull and a game at the end of the night.

It was good to get some rust off. It is a great team and they will respond well tomorrow when we face New Zealand.

They are looking forward to it. They know them well. Many of the New Zealanders play with them through the summer. There will be no surprises, player against player, team against team – and the better team will win, and I hope that is us.”