Fifth-place finish for NZ
New Zealand have finished fifth at the under-18 men’s World Cup after losses to Australia and Argentina.
Japan, meanwhile, put their unbeaten tournament record on the line in yesterday’s final against Australia at Colquhoun Park, Palmerston North. Argentina and the Czech Republic played the bronze medal match.
Dylan Jackson gave it everything for New Zealand in their final match on Saturday night, but the Junior Black Sox fell agonisingly short against Australia, losing 2-0. The ballgame remained tied at nil-all into the bottom of the sixth inning, before a pair of mistakes allowed Australia to plate the game-winning runs. Jackson struck out eight in six innings, allowing just the one earned run.
Jackson’s performance was overshadowed by Australian starter Boston Lowe, who tossed a complete game shut-out, securing Australia’s place in the final.
On Friday night, New Zealand lost to Argentina 7-3.
Japan toppled the Czech Republic 8-1 in five innings on
Saturday, with Ren and Hibiki Ikeda combining to strike out 11.
Argentina tuned up for their bronze medal match-up with an 8-1 win over Guatemala.
South Africa ended their campaign on a high as they knocked off the US 11-7 to secure 10th place. Blake Kerr had a team-high two runs batted in for the US, who were forced to settle for 11th place.
Mexico easily accounted for Singapore 9-1 in the opening game of the day behind three runs batted in from Fernando Lopez and a strong performance from Yahir Albelaiz.
Zuray Low was a perfect threefor-three at the plate for Singapore, but a five-run fourth inning from Mexico put the game well out of reach.
Denmark took an early lead, but failed to hold on as Canada claimed their fourth win in a row, 11-4. Ryan Bicknell’s inside-thepark grand slam was Canada’s highlight, as the left-fielder sent a deep shot to centrefield and turned on the wheels to record the rare feat.