France opened the inaugural Yoshida Challenge in an exhibition against Seino from Japan with an 8-7 walk-off win on Thursday evening in Senart. The back-and-forth battle was decided in the bottom of the ninth, when Andy Paz scored on a sac fly by Arthur Paturel. Rene Leveret paced the French squad by going 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI. Yoann Vaugelade picked up the win in relief. Nicolas Dubaut had received the start.
The France International Baseball Tournament “Yoshida Challenge” (Tickets) will be played through September 9. The Netherlands and Belgium are also participating, finishing up preparations for the European Championship (Sep. 12-21).