Day three of the XXX WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup started with a sensational comeback win by the Netherlands against Canada. Together with Korea's win against Brazil, it could prove pivotal in the Group A race to the Super Round.
The Group A final game was suspended because of a massive thunderstorm, with the US leading South Africa in the top of the third, 10-0.
In Group B, Mexico and defending champions Chinese Taipei made huge steps forward, leaving Italy and Australia winless while world No. 1 Japan saw a 4-0 lead evaporate against Panama but walked it off to remain undefeated.
Day 3 Results
Japan-Panama 5-4
Japan gave the ball to Haruto Yamada with a 4-2 lead in the top of the seventh. The right-hander gave up two runs and blew the save. Japan loaded the bases against Angel Vazquez in the bottom half of the frame. A one-out sacrifice fly by DH Yuta Utsumi gave then the win.
Japan got to starter Andres Silvera in the bottom of the third.
Panama cut Japan's lead to 4-2 in the top of the fifth.
Panama tied the game in the top of the seventh on a double by Catuy Gondola and a single by Luis Escudero.
A bases-loaded and one-out sacrifice fly by Yuta Utsumi gave Japan the win in the bottom of the seventh.
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USA-South Africa
The game was suspended amid a massive thunderstorm in the top of the third with the US leading 10-0 and will be rescheduled.
The US didn't waste time and scored two runs in the first. In the top of the second Aidan Miller hit a home run to dead center.
Also Gavin Grahova homered and made it 8-0.
With the US leading 10-0, the game was delayed by an electric storm in the top of the third. The game was called and will resume on a day and at a time to be determined.
Korea-Brazil 11-2
Korea scored four in the top of the first against Paulo Barbosa and didn't need to look back. After two comeback wins, Brazil suffered their first loss.
Beomseok Kim made the most of two walks with a double to right-center.
Brazil got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first.
Korea looked in control, but Brazil managed to limit the gap through good defensive plays.
Korea widened the gap in the last two at bats.
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Mexico-Italy 12-7
Mexico used five pitchers and had 14 hits and 11 runners on base. Italy used three pitchers, had 11 hits and left nine runners on base. The team with the best offence had to prevail in a game of this sort.
Yael Romero hit a two-out double to put Mexico ahead
In the bottom of the first, Italy got to starter Jesus Lopez with three consecutive hits to reverse the lead.
In the bottom of the third DH Alberto Barriga hit a two-out double to gave Mexico a new lead
Mexico made the scored three more to break the score open.
With Mexico sitting on a comfortable lead, Italy got on the scoreboard again in the fourth.
A four-run fifth inning,capped by a two-RBI double by Alessandro Volpe, put Italy back in the game.
Mexico scored three insurance runs in the top of the seventh.
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Chinese Taipei-Australia 10-2
Chinese Taipei needed only five innings to defeat Australia.
Chinese Taipei wasted no time and got on the scoreboard in the first.
Chinese Taipei opened the score with a three-run third inning.
In the fourth Chinese Taipei extended the gap to 10-0.
A three run fifth at-bat sealed the final score for the first game to end on the mercy rule.
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Netherlands-Canada 3-2
Canada entered the bottom of the seventh with a 2-0 lead, but the Dutch got to reliever Felix Morin. Left fielder Jackey Josefa tripled to tie the game and scored the winning run on a two-out throwing error.
Sam White doubled and Canada took the lead in the top of the fourth.
Dylan O'Rae doubled to make it 2-0 in the bottom of the seventh.
Jakey Josepha tied it on a triple in the bottom of the seventh.
A two-out throwing error was the game.
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