09/09/2023 1 Minute Read

Jack Ratcliffe’s two doubles highlight Australia’s 2-0 win over Spain

After the win, Australia still had one game left before they finish the Placement Round, while Spain will be the 12th overall in the XXXI U-18 Baseball World Cup.

Jack Ratcliffe hit two doubles to fix the final score to 2-0 as World No. 9 Australia defeated No. 21 Spain to finish the first game of their doubleheaders on the last day of the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Placement Round.

Both teams played excellent defence. Australian third baseman Declan Speirs initiated a 5-4-3 double play to end the top of the second. Their starter, Jack Bushell, later performed an acrobatic play to retire the batter-runner and finish the top of the third.

Spain also paid back, turning a 6-4-3 double play to end the bottom of the frame for the Aussie.

In the bottom of the fourth, Australia took the lead, 1-0, with Jack Ratcliffe’s double to left field, driving in Joshua Nati’s run.

Ratcliffe hit another double down the left field line in the bottom of the sixth, sending Joshua Davies back home and helping Australia extend the lead to 2-0.

XXXI WBSC U-18 BWC Day 10-Placement Round ESP v AUS

Australia starter Bushell threw a complete game, striking out five and allowing three hits and two walks. Australia will finish the Placement Round after the doubleheader game against Venezuela right after, while Spain finished with a 0-5 record.