Michael Senay throws consistent game, Czechia beat Australia to earn first win

Czechia completed a 5-2 win against Australia on Tuesday in the Opening Round of the XXXI WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup. Starter Michael Senay pitched five innings, striking out eight and allowing two hits and four walks, before handing the ball to reliever Matyas Trcka, who picked the save.

Czechia loaded the bases early in the game on two walks and a bunt, and Benjamin Morgan earned their first run on another walk. They later added another run with Jakub Winkler’s single through the left side, sending Simon Klacl back home. Australia reliever Jack Bushell ended the first inning with back-to-back strikeouts.

In the bottom of the second, Australia’s Joshua Davies singled to left field, driving in Nicholas Pararella’s run to trail at 2-1.

Czechia added another two runs in the top of the third with Winkler’s single up the middle and Matous Rubenik’s sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 4-1.

In the top of the fourth, Czechia’s Filip Kubicek doubled to right centre, sending Benjamin Morgan back home, rewriting the scoreboard to 5-1.

Czechia loaded the bases in the top of the fifth, but Australia reliever Jacob Palmer got out of the bases-loaded jam, preventing Czechia from extending the lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Australia’s Callum Donnelly first walked, reached third on a fielding error, and scored on a wild pitch, cutting the gap to 5-2.

Czechia ended the last inning of the game with a well-executed double play. Matyas Trcka struck out Tom Chessell to end the game.

Czechia improved their record to 1-3 in the Opening Round and will face Mexico on Wednesday, 6 September. Australia dropped to 1-4 and will head to the Placement Round with a 1-1 record.