08/09/2023 2 Minute Read

Curiel, Morlando deliver clutch hits to post huge USA win over Korea

Korea took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth. The US scored four runs on two-outs and two RBI hits by Derek Curiel and Perry Morlando, then handed the ball to flame thrower Trey Gregory-Alford.

World No. 2 USA defeated No. 5 Korea, 5-1, in a crucial game of the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Super Round. Trailing 1-0, they scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth on a two-out and two RBI double by Derek Curiel and added two on a two-out single by Perry Morlando. Korea had a chance to come back, but reliever Trey Gregory-Alford got the defending World Champions out of trouble.

The United States loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the second. Korean starter Junseo Hwang got third baseman Carter Johnson looking and shortstop Manuelle Marin on a fly to centre.

Korea got their first hit against left-hander Ethan Schiefelbein in the top of the fourth. Second baseman Anseok Jeong reached on a leadoff single and advanced on a sacrifice bunt. He reached third on a groundout and scored on second baseman Hyunmin Cho's infield single.

The US won the game in the bottom of the fifth. With two outs and runners at second and third, Derek Curiel doubled along the right-field line, putting the US ahead.

The US centre fielder stole third. Hwang walked Levi Clark, who left for Bryce Clavon. The pinch runner stole second. First baseman Perry Morlando scored the runner on a clutch two-RBI single to extend the lead to 4-1. Taekyeon Kim took Korea out of the inning.

Korea sent Schiefelbein to the showers in the top of the sixth. Choongheon Lee reached on a throwing error, and Anseok Jeong followed with a single.

Trey Gregory-Alford took the mound with the potential tying run at the plate and got the first out on strikes. The runners advanced to third and second on a wild pitch.

Choongheon Lee was trapped between third and home on a hard-hit grounder to third base. The Korean leadoff hitter took off for the home plate, balked, tried to return to third and became the second out. Gregory-Alford got the third out on a grounder.

The US manufactured an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. They advanced Coy James to second with a sacrifice bunt. The leadoff hitter got to third on a wild pitch and scored on Bryce Rainer's sacrifice fly.

Gregory-Alford retired the side in order in the top of the seventh to end the game.

The United States are 2-2 and will finish the Super Round playing Puerto Rico on Saturday, 9 September. Korea (1-3) is out of the gold medal. They will face the Netherlands in their last Super Round game.