Sox near final

The Junior Black Sox are one step away from a place in the world under-19 boys’ softball championship final after a narrow win over defending champions Argentina. Thomas Makea’s team won 3-2 in Midland, Michigan on Friday morning. New Zealand went 2-0 up after the first inning and added another run in sixth through a towering home run by Harrison Valk. Argentina clawed back two runs in the last two innings and were close to tying the game when closing pitcher Bailey Hamilton struck out the last Argentine batter with runners on first and third base. New Zealand will play Japan on Saturday with the winner to advance to the tournament final. Japan - the only team to beat the Junior Black Sox in section play had a 5-3 win over the United States.