New Zealand, Canada on top of standings in Group B
New Zealand and Canada remain on top of the standings in Group B, with three wins in as many games. Today the Junior Black Sox defeated Czech Republic, 8-1; while the hosts beat Guatemala, 7-0. Both games lasted only five innings.
New Zealand and Canada remain on top of the standings in Group B, with three wins in as many games. Today the Junior Black Sox defeated Czech Republic, 8-1; while the hosts beat Guatemala, 7-0. Both games lasted only five innings.
New Zealand exploded in the fifth inning with 4 runs, to end the game with a walkoff double by Kaleb Rona.
The black team took advantage of an error to jump ahead in the score. Huw Davies singled to left field, and advanced on a fielder choice. Then, Seth Gibson hit a grounder to second base, but Ludek Oplustil couldn’t make the play, and Davies crossed home plate.
The Junior Black Sox added one more in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly by Andre Hart. Designated Player Reilly Makea walked, and advanced to third with a passed ball and a wild pitch. Then Hart hit to center field, deep enough to allow the runner cross home plate.
One inning later New Zealand doubled the difference, with a 2-RBI double by Kaleb Rona to center field, scoring Brad Carson and Seth Gibson.
David Henzl scored the first run for Czech Republic in the top of the fifth inning. The first baseman earned a walk, advanced to third on consecutive fielder’s choices, and then crossed home plate on a wild pitch.
In the bottom of that inning Filip Koblizek took the ball in relief, but was touched hard by his opponents. New Zealand exploded with four runs, including a long home run by Reilly Makea to left field, and consecutive doubles by Tobias Makisi and Kaleb Rona to end the game.
Joshua Kelly claimed the win for the Junior Black Sox allowed only 1 hit in 5 innings of pitching,, with 6 strikeouts and 3 walks.
Vojetch Buchner was charged with the loss, despite of pitching a good game in four innings of work. He received 5 hits and 4 runs (only 2 earned) with 3 walks and 2 strikeouts.
New Zealand stays undefeated with a win over Czech Republic
Guatemala could resist to Canada for 3 innings, before the hosts broke the score open with a six run rally in the bottom of the fourth on route for a 7-0 win in 5 innings.
Right fielder Pomeroy hit 2 homers: a solo shot in the third off starter Carlos Morales and a grand slam in the fourth against reliever Luis Xuya Sam.
Pavey went the distance for Canada, allowing 3 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 4.
