In the key playoff game at the WBSC Under-12 Baseball World Cup, US pitcher Brady House came in for four innings of relief to preserve a 6-5 victory in a tightly fought contest against Cuba yesterday.
The win enabled the US to advance to today’s final, a rematch against Taiwan at 6:30pm at the Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium.
The hosts had already gained a berth in the final with the 11-6 triumph over the US on Friday. With the pressure off, Taiwan took it easy, with one eye on today’s encounter, as the hosts were beaten 2-1 by Nicaragua last night.
Photo: Huang Chih-yuan, Taipei Times
In yesterday’s most important game, Cuba rattled US starter Ryan Clifford to lead 3-0 entering the bottom of the second.
However, the US rallied to scored four runs on five hits, as center fielder Zach Torres hit a double to drive in two runs during the rally and give the US a 4-3 lead.
The US did not relinquish the lead thereafter, as both sides traded runs rest of the way.
After the game, US coach Tanner Vesely said his players did their jobs well, seizing the scoring opportunities and putting pressure on the opposition.
Right-hander House was credited with the win for his four innings of relief, giving up only two runs on three hits and one walk.
Nicaragua pitchers Fidel Loaisiga and Olston Rayo combined to limit Taiwan to only two hits and four walks.
In yesterday’s other game in Tainan, Venezuela doubled up on Japan 4-2 as the two teams finished in fifth and sixth places respectively.
Cuba and Nicaragua, as the third and fourth-placed finishers, face off at 2:30pm today for the bronze medal.
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