Benjamin Morgan’s key hit powers Czechia's 4-0 win over Spain

Benjamin Morgan hit a two-RBI double to left centre in the bottom of the fourth, securing World No. 15 Czechia a win against No. 21 Spain, 4-0, in their first Placement Round game at the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup.

At the beginning of the game, Spain loaded the bases on a hit by pitch and two walks, but Czech starter Viktor Beranek got out of the bases-loaded jam without allowing runs.

Czechia took the lead, 1-0, in the bottom of the first on Michal Sindelka’s sacrifice fly, driving in Benjamin Morgan.

After scoring the first run, Czechia performed a well-executed double play in the top of the second. Spain then loaded the bases again on a hit by pitch, a single and a walk, but Czech centre fielder Michel Pokorny retired Vinicio Lara to escape the bases-loaded jam.

Czechia extended the lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth. A wild pitch and Benjamin Morgan’s two-RBI double to left centre sent Matous Rubenik and Martin Sobotka back home.

Czech starter Beranek and relievers Filip Collmann and Matyas Trcka struck out seven combined, allowing five hits and four walks.

After the win, Czechia now have a 2-0 record, tied with Panama at the top of the Placement Round, while Spain trail with a 0-3 record.

On 8 September Spain will play No. 3 Mexico while Czechia will face No. 11 Panama.