by PONY League World Series
WASHINGTON, Pennsylvania – European Zone Champion Paderborn, Germany stung Host Washington County, Pennsylvania with a 12-0, 10-run rule game in the opener for both teams.
Washington County’s home debut did not go as planned, as Paderborn opened the first frame scoring eight runs on five hits. Two of those runs came by way of bases loaded walks, while three more were driven in by a two RBI double by shortstop Merlin Bendlin and another RBI double by pitcher Elian Gentner.
The score remained 8-0 until the third inning, when Paderborn tacked on three more runs to extend its lead to 11-0. The inning was highlighted by a two-run home run by Bendlin, his third and fourth RBI of the contest.
In the fourth inning, right fielder Nicolai Kirchhoff added on to Paderborn’s lead with a solo home run to make the score 12-0.
Paderborn won 12-0 in five innings because of a 10-run rule. Gentner completed the five-inning shortened no-hitter, surrendering just two walks and striking out five.
Paderborn’s offense was sparked by the top three batters in the order: Bendlin, Genter and first baseman Simon Baeumer, who went a combined 9-12 at the plate with six RBI.
Austin Abel picked up the loss for Washington, going two-thirds of an inning, allowing eight runs, seven earned, four hits, two walks and one strikeout.
Talon Cain highlighted Washington on the day throwing two innings of one hit ball with four strikeouts.
Paderborn moves on in the winner’s bracket to face Maui, Hawaii in Game #6 tomorrow at Noon (ET/US). Washington County also takes the field tomorrow at 5 p.m. in Game #8 against Bay County, Michigan in an elimination game.