USA tops Cuba in final Super Round game, sets up rematch in Sunday’s World Championship Final

USA tops Cuba in final Super Round game, sets up rematch in Sunday’s World Championship Final
04/09/2022
Both teams will meet again in Sunday’s World Championship final.

Andrew Costello had a big offensive night to lead USA to a six-inning 11-1 win against Cuba, sending the US squad into Sunday’s World Championship Final.

Cuba came into Saturday’s Super Round game as the only undefeated team in the tournament, having already qualified for the Final, while USA needed a win to clinch the second ticket to the World Championship Final. 

And the defending U-15 world champions used a 12-hit attack to record their fourth win of the Super Round. Costello went 3-for-4 with a home run and two doubles, three RBI and two runs scored. First baseman Grady Emerson also homered for USA. 

Three U.S. pitchers combined on a one-hitter, allowing a run and 11 walks against nine strikeouts. Jack McKernan started for USA and tossed three innings allowing one hit, one run and five walks. Joshua Woodworth and Ryan Harwood came in from the bullpen and didn’t give up a hit in three innings combined, striking out seven. 

Cuba´s only hit of the game was a single by clean-up hitter Alejandro Cruz in the top of the second. The losing pitcher was Yosniel Mendez.

With the win, USA won the Super Round with a 4-1 record, while Cuba finished second place with the same record. As the Super Round winner, USA will be the home team in the Final.

USA’s victory also set up the Bronze Medal Game, where Chinese Taipei will take on Japan, in an all-Asia match up. Chinese Taipei will be the home team.