OSAKA, Japan -- After consecutive wins to open the 2015 World Baseball Softball Confederaton U18 Baseball World Cup, Australia's record currently stands at 2-2 after an 11-1 loss to No. 2 USA in eight innings.
The American side struck first, scoring one run in the top of the second inning and another two in the top of the third. Australia answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth, when Jess Williams drove in Mitch Holding on a single through the right side.
However, the USA scored a pair of runs in the next frame, another four in the top of the sixth, and one run apiece in the seventh and eighth to pad the lead and eventually end the game.
Jye Deeble took the loss for Australia, surrendering three runs on three hits in his to innings. Mitchell Neunborn contributed three innings of relief and Lachlan MacDonald also tossed two innings. James McCallum closed out the game with an inning as well.
On the mound for the USA, Nicholas Pratto tossed a complete-game two-hitter, striking out eight batters and walking just two.
Australia wraps up group play tomorrow at 11:00am against No. 2o Czech Republic at 11:00am AEST. Follow the game's live scoring here.