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In front of an official attendance of 15,000 and after a rain delay prior to the first pitch, the United States won the U18 Baseball World Cup in Osaka, Japan. They defeated host Japan 2-1 in the Gold Medal Game on Sunday at Hanshin Koshien Stadium.
A costly error by Japan’s starting pitcher Sena Sato gave the US the lead in the third. A RBI double by Michael Amditis drove in the second run. Japan got on the board in the sixth, but failed to capitalize further on the bases loaded situation, stranding three runners.
Overall it was a thrilling pitcher’s duel. Nicholas Pratto struck out nine in 6 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on six hits and a walk. Sato finished with two unearned runs on four hits and a base on balls in four frames. Shotaro Ueno kept the US to one hit and a walk in the remaining five innings.
Japan had reached the final in undefeated fashion. They celebrated six shutouts in the eight games, but lost the high-pressure affair in front of their home crowd. For the US it was their third consecutive U18 Baseball World Cup win.
Final Standings:
- United States
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- Cuba
- Canada
- Mexico
- Chinese Taipei
- Brazil
- Italy
- Czech Republic
- South Africa