Australia continued to play high quality baseball against a high quality opponent, and behind seven shutout innings from Jack O’Loughlin, they claimed a hard-fought 3-0 win over Cuba at the U18 World Cup.
The Adelaide Bite/Detroit Tigers lefty was under pressure from the Cuban offence, with the Latin side not afraid to lay down bunts, however O’Loughlin held firm throughout. He finished with six strikeouts in his seven innings on the mound.
Defence was the order of the game early, with both teams making some clutch run saving plays. Jarryd Dale made back-to-back run saving plays in the bottom of the second. The reigning Melbourne Aces Rookie of the Year has played spectacular defence in the last few games, and that momentum continued offensively for Australia.
Jacob Amos nailed a hard single to centre field before a triple from Josh Bedggood broke the scoreless deadlock in the fourth. Australia weren’t done there, as Alex Hall broke the game open with two outs. Hall drove in Jess Williams and Nic Anderson-Vine to extend Australia’s advantage.
Australian Manager Steve Fish was pleased with his team’s ability to consistently compete against the best teams in the world.
"This run has been incredible,” Fish said.
“This is a real team of underdogs and I couldn't be prouder. We're competing against teams with astronomical signing bonuses, and we're giving it absolutely everything."
Lochlan Southee and Jess Williams were tasked with throwing the final two innings on the mound. The Cubans did their best to rally with a pair of 2-out singles, however Williams held his nerve, claiming a game ending strikeout and sealing Australia’s first Super Round win at the U18 World Cup.
Australia’s final Super Round game is against the USA at 9am local (11pm AEST). Stay tuned to @TeamAustraliaBaseball on social media for broadcast links.