Australia defeat Cuba, still hope to play for bronze in the U-18 Baseball World Cup
THUNDER BAY (Ontario, Canada)-Australia plays perfect defense behind starter O’Laughlin and 2 relievers complete a shut out win against Cuba. Australia still has a chance to play the bronze medal game of the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017
Australia defeat (3-0) Cuba and improve to 1-3 their record in the super round of the U-18 Baseball World Cup. Cuba (0-4) take the potenzial tying run at the plate both in the eighth and ninth inning. They are now eliminated from the medal round, while Australia could still play the bronze medal game, provided they beat USA and Canada lose 2 games.
Starters Osvaldo Cardenas and Jack O’Laughlin keep the game scoreless for 3 innings. Cardenas uses some relevant help from his defense in the top of the third. Shortstop Williams leads off with a double. He then tries to score on a base it by third baseman Dale but is tagged for the out at home by catcher Fadraga on an excellent throw by center fielder Roidel Martinez. Shortstop Miguel Gonzalez prevents a run when he stops a sharp grounder by Australia first baseman Wingrove. He can’t get an out, but forces left fielder Anderson-Vine to put on the brakes at third and the frame ends as designated hitter Edwards grounds out to second.
There’s nothing Cuba defense can do in the top of the fourth. Right fielder Amos leads off with a single and scores on a first pitch triple to the gap in left center by center fielder Bedggood. Cardenas ends his game striking out second baseman Barnett. Rafael Sanchez takes the mound and his welcomed with a base hit by Anderson-Vine. Catcher Hall wastes no time and hits the first pitch he sees hard into the gap in right field. Both runners score. Rafael Sanchez gets out of the inning and won’t allow more runs to Australia.
Detroit Tiger’s prospect O’Laughlin is done after 7 innings (9 hits allowed, while striking out 6).
Reliever Blake Southee gives up a single to center fielder Roidel Martinez and walks Miguel Gonzalez, but gets out of the inning when he strikes out third baseman Yuri Fernandez, that represented the potential tying run.
Williams moves from shortstop to the mound (with Dale taking over at shortstop and Wright filling in at third). With 2 outs, second baseman Prieto and first baseman Triana hit back to back single and bring once again the potential tying run at the plate. Williams strikes out Fadragas on 4 pitches to end the game.
Jack O’Laughlin threw 7 scoreless innings for Australia
