SYDNEY – The Australian U-18 National Team is one step away from being crowned the 2017 baseball champion of Oceania, which would send the nation to the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2017 in Thunder Bay, Canada.
Through the first two days of the continental championship, Australia has outscored New Zealand and Guam 38-2 to move to the top of the standings with a W3-L0 record.
In the three games, Aussie top prospect Jarryd Dale has powered his nation’s offence with a .700 batting average, 11 RBI and 2 triples.
In Guam and New Zealand’s first meeting, Guam took a 9-8 lead in the 10th inning, but New Zealand’s Alex Hill responded with a 2-RBI base hit to give the Kiwi’s the exciting 10-9 walk-off win.
Final Day of Opening Round
If Australia wins Friday against New Zealand — going undefeated in the double round-robin — the host nation be named champion.
If Australia loses Friday, the Aussies will play either Guam or New Zealand in the Final on Saturday.
Ten nations have already secured their place in the U-18 world championship in Thunder Bay.
- Africa (1): TBD
- Americas (5): No. 2 United States, No. 5 Cuba, No. 6 Mexico, No. 8 Canada, No. 8 Mexico and No. 16 Nicaragua
- Asia (3): No. 1 Japan, No. 3 Korea and No. 4 Chinese Taipei
- Europe (2): No. 9 Netherlands and No. 10 Italy
- Oceania (1): TBD
U-18 OCEANIA 2017 – SCHEDULE/RESULTS
Wednesday 18 January
- Australia 11-1 New Zealand (7 innings)
- Australia 15-0 Guam (6 innings)
Thursday, 19 January
- New Zealand 10-9 Guam (10 innings)
- Australia 12-1 Guam (7th innings)
Friday, 20 January
- 10:00 – New Zealand vs. Australia
- 14:00 – Guam vs. New Zealand
Saturday, 21 January – FINAL*
- 11:30 – Guam or New Zealand vs. Australia (*if necessary)
