Despite a late rally the Australian U15 World Cup team has begun their campaign with a narrow 4-2 loss against world #2 ranked Japan in Panama this morning.
Manager Andy Kyle gave Riley Yeatman the ball in a crucial opening round matchup, and the South Australian didn't disappoint.
Yeatman only allowed four hits in 4.1 innings of work against a powerful Japanese offence, keeping the world #2 ranked side to one run in their first five innings.
Despite giving up the opening run of the game in the first inning, Yeatman - backed up by a solid defensive effort - kept his head in a game that was beamed to millions across the world.
Solomon Maguire and Jaime Fox both claimed a single and a walk each, but it was the final inning where the pressure mounted on Japan.
A hit-by-pitch and walk saw Victorian Blake Holding step to the plate with one out, and he delivered with a two-RBI double to make it a two-run ballgame.
Australia continued to threaten, however the comeback fell just short.
Solomon Maguire and Jaime Fox both claimed a single and a walk each, but it was the final inning where the pressure mounted on Japan.
A hit-by-pitch and walk saw Victorian Blake Holding step to the plate with one out, and he delivered with a two-RBI double to make it a two-run ballgame.
Australia continued to threaten, however the comeback fell just short.
Japanese starter Kyosuke Kuroyanagi was exceptional in his team's opening round game, surrendering one hit and striking out six in 3.1 innings.
However once Kuroyanagi was replaced, the Australian offence clicked into gear, as they scattered baserunners and kept the pressure on the Japanese defence.
South Africa awaits the team in their second game of the tournament, with first pitch scheduled for 5am AEST, Sunday August 12.