The Australian U18 team has qualified for the U18 World Cup in Thunder Bay, Canada later this year after defeating New Zealand in a rain-affected finale at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Jack O'Loughlin threw four scoreless innings for Australia, striking out eight and only giving up two hits in the process. Rixon Wingrove had a pair of hits and an RBI, while WA star Dawson Summers claimed two RBI.
Jarryd Dale finished the tournament with 12 RBI from four games, including a batting average of .613, while Australia's pitching staff, lead by former MLB-er and Baseball Australia Hall of Famer Micheal Nakamura were simply untouchable. Australia's pitchers struck out 35 hitters and only gave up two earned runs in 25 innings of work, while the offence continually dominated. Australia hit .350 as a team, with 36 hits and 36 RBI across four games, as well as an on base percentage of .493.
As a consequence of the U18 World Cup Qualification and the recent U12 World Cup Qualification, Australia has moved into 10th place in the WBSC World Rankings. This is the first time since 2012 that Australia has been inside the top 10.
The U18 Baseball World Cup will be played in Thunder Bay, Canada, and will begin on 1 September this year. Stay tuned to the U18 World Cup homepage for more information.