George Harris shines as Czechia win first ever WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup game

With an impressive offensive performance by George Harris, Czechia defeated South Africa, 3-0, in the first game of the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup, played Saturday morning at the Nafaldo Cargnel Stadium in Parana, Argentina. Harris drove in the three runs of his team, including a solo homer in the sixth frame.

Harris led Czechia’s offensive effort, with a 2-for-3, two-RBI game, including a home run. In the top of the third, the centre fielder drove in the first run of the tournament in the third inning with an RBI single through the right side of the field. Martin Magula scored the first run in the history of the tournament. In the same play, Vojtech Buchner scored with an error of right fielder Dylan Ebrahim. Three innings later, Harris homered to centre field to give Czechia a three-run lead.

In the circle, Czech pitcher Jonas Hajny pitched six amazing innings, allowing one hit and two walks, with 12 strikeouts. The first South African hit came in the sixth inning, 

For South Africa, Kagiso Aphane was charged with the loss, in spite of having a good outing. He tossed seven innings with five hits and three runs, with seven strikeouts and six walks.