Day 2 Results from 2024 WBSC World Cup Qualifier Group C at OKC – Wed. Sept. 18
Game 4 – Japan 9, South Africa 0
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| JPN | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 0 |
Japan Dominates South Africa in 9-0 Victory
In a commanding performance, Japan shut out South Africa 9-0 in a game that showcased their offensive prowess and pitching excellence. The game, played in sunny Oklahoma City, saw Japan’s bats come alive early and often, while their pitching staff, led by Shota Onodera, kept South Africa’s offense at bay.
Offensive Explosion
Japan’s offense was firing on all cylinders from the start. Tei Hamamoto had a stellar day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, and an RBI. Ryuji Okawa also shone, hitting two triples and driving in two runs. Seii Kuroiwa had a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
The Japanese team wasted no time, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding three more in the second. They continued to pile on the pressure, scoring four more runs in the fifth inning to seal their dominant victory.
Pitching Perfection
Shota Onodera was nearly untouchable on the mound for Japan. He pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out an impressive nine batters. Onodera’s ERA stands at a pristine 0.00 after this performance.
South Africa’s Struggles
South Africa’s pitching staff had a tough day, with starter Sebotse Lucas Ledwaba lasting only 1.1 innings and giving up five runs. The South African offense couldn’t get anything going against Onodera, with only Brandon Bouillon and Rian Johannes Hattingh managing to get hits.
This victory showcases Japan’s strength as a team and sets them up as a formidable force in the tournament. South Africa will need to regroup and find ways to generate offense in their upcoming games
Box Score – Japan 9, South Africa 0
Japan
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAMAMOTO, Tei RF | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| MORITA, Yusuke LF | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| KATAOKA, Taiyo C | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| UEDA, Fumiya C | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| MASAKI, Kaito DP | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| INOUE, Yutaro PH/DP | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TORIYAMA, Kazuya 1B | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| NISHIDA, Kanta 2B | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| OKAWA, Ryuji SS | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| KUROIWA, Seii CF | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| SAKURABA, Yusuke 3B | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ONODERA, Shota P | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 25 | 9 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
Pitching
| Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONODERA, Shota (W) | 5.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 0.00 |
| Totals | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 0.00 |
South Africa
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MILNE, Tyrone C | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| MATSWENYANE, Mandla Gideon RF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| BOUILLON, Brandon SS | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| EBERSOHN, Rowan LF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| THUPUDI, Mogau Macmillan 1B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| HATTINGH, Rian Johannes DP | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| MOETI, Kagiso 3B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DIEDERICKS, Mathew Cody 2B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| MAKOLOMAKOE, Kamogetswe Ofentse CF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| LEDWABA, Sebotse Lucas P | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| LAMOLA, Lucas P | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| KEKANA, Tidima P | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
Pitching
| Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEDWABA, Sebotse Lucas (L) | 1.1 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 26.25 |
| LAMOLA, Lucas | 2.2 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 10.50 |
| KEKANA, Tidima | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.47 |
| Totals | 5 | 12 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 0.00 |
Game 5 – Columbia 3, South Africa 0
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COL | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | – | – |
| RSA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
Columbia Shuts Out South Africa in 3-0 Victory
In a display of defensive prowess and timely hitting, Columbia secured a 3-0 victory over South Africa in their recent matchup. The game, which showcased Columbia’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities while maintaining a strong defensive front, marks an important win for the South American team.
Mound Maestro
Colombia’s starting pitcher, Ramiro Rafael Escorcia Martinez, was the star of the show. He pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out seven South African batters over seven innings. His impressive performance kept South Africa’s offense completely off-balance throughout the game.
Key Offensive Contributions
While the score remained close, Colombia’s offense did enough to secure the win:
Eduardo Cuesta drove in a run with a sacrifice flyPitching Dominance
Jeison Anillo went 1-for-2 with a run scored
Aldo Navia contributed a double and an RBI
Jorge Martinez came through with a pinch-hit RBI single
Columbia’s pitching staff was the star of the show, holding South Africa scoreless throughout the game. The shutout performance demonstrates the depth and skill of Columbia’s pitchers, who managed to keep South Africa’s batters off-balance and unable to generate any meaningful offense.
Timely Offense
While the score remained close, Columbia’s offense did enough to secure the win. The team managed to push across three runs, which proved more than sufficient given their pitching performance. This efficient offensive output, combined with stellar pitching, exemplifies a well-rounded team effort.
Implications for Both Teams
For Columbia, this win serves as a confidence booster and solidifies their position as a competitive force in the tournament. The ability to shut out their opponent will undoubtedly be a point of pride and a foundation to build upon in future games.
South Africa, on the other hand, will need to regroup and focus on generating more offense in their upcoming matches. While being held scoreless is a setback, it also provides clear areas for improvement as the team moves forward in the competition.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience – Columbia aiming to maintain their winning momentum, and South Africa working to bounce back and showcase their offensive capabilities in future games.
Box Score
South Africa
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATSWENYANE, Mandla Gideon RF | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| BOUILLON, Brandon SS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| THUPUDI, Mogau Macmillan 1B | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MILNE, Tyrone C | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| EBERSOHN, Rowan PH | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CHEPAPE, Mankomoro DP | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| HATTINGH, Rian Johannes PH | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| MOETI, Kagiso 3B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| NKGAPELE, Madumetsa John PH | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DIEDERICKS, Mathew Cody 2B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MAKOLOMAKOE, Kamogetswe Ofentse CF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MALEMATJA, Kiddo Mahlatse LF | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 |
Pitching
| Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APHANE, Kagiso Frans (L) | 6.0 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2.52 |
| Totals | 6.0 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2.52 |
Colombia
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCADO, Edgar SS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| ANILLO, Jeison RF | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CUESTA, Eduardo CF | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| NAVIA, Aldo 1B | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| BARRIOS, Jose C | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| MARTINEZ, Jorge PH | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| SARKAR, Daniel DP | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| LUNA, Mateo 3B | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| BENCOMO, Ruber LF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| CAVADIA, Hernan 2B | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 20 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Pitching
| Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESCORCIA MARTINEZ, Ramiro Rafael (W) | 7.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0.00 |
| Totals | 7.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0.00 |
USA 7, Guatemala 0
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 0 |
| GUA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
USA Ace Paints a Scoreless Masterpiece Against Guatemala
In a commanding performance, the United States baseball team secured a resounding 7-0 victory over Guatemala. The game, played under sunny skies and 33°C heat in Oklahoma City, showcased USA’s prowess both on the mound and at the plate.
Marco Diaz Conducts a Strikeout Symphony
Marco Diaz set the tone for USA with a stellar pitching performance. Over four innings, Diaz allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out an impressive eight batters. His dominance on the mound kept Guatemala’s offense completely off-balance. Cody Gibbons came in for the fifth inning, preserving the shutout with two more strikeouts.
Offensive Firepower
The USA’s bats came alive early and often:
- Jonathan Lynch was the offensive star, going 2-for-3 with a home run and 3 RBIs.
- Cameron Schiller and Jeffrey Lewis each contributed two hits, with Schiller scoring twice.
- Tyler Johnson doubled and scored two runs.
- Nick Mullins and Yusef Davis Jr. each drove in a run with sacrifice flies.
Key Moments
- Lynch’s two-run homer in the fifth inning put an exclamation point on USA’s dominant performance.
- A passed ball in the fourth inning allowed USA to score two quick runs, breaking the game open.
- Zack Shaw’s RBI single in the second inning kicked off the scoring for USA.
Guatemala’s pitchers struggled to contain the USA offense, with starter Diego Morales taking the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) over 3.1 innings.
The USA ran their record to 2-0 with one more game to play today, against the Netherlands.
Box Score
United States
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAVIS JR, Yusef Lateef CF | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| OCHOA, Erick 1B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| MILHEIM, Blaine Robert 3B | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| SCHILLER, Cameron John SS | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| LEWIS, Jeffrey Michael DP | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| LYNCH, Jonathan Michael LF | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| MULLINS, Nicholas Ryan C | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| JOHNSON, Tyler James RF | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SHAW, Zachary 2B/SS | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 20 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
Pitching
| Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIAZ, Marco (W) | 4.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 0.00 |
| GIBBONS, Cody | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00 |
| Totals | 5.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 0.00 |
Guatemala
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEL CID NATARENO, Nery Arnoldo Jr. SS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| VILLEDA MENDIZABAL, Luis Pedro 1B/OPO | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| VIZCAINO CHINCHILLA, Fabian Esteban C | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| DACARET MARTINOLLI, Gerardo RF | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| HURTARTE, Dennis DP/1B | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| CASTILLO, Henry 3B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| HERNÁNDEZ MENESES, Manuel Alfredo CF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| DIÉGUEZ RUANO, Pedro Miguel 2B | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| DACARET ROMAN, Alvaro Javier PH | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| FUNES LÓPEZ, Alex Enrique LF | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| XUYA SAM, Luis Enrique PH | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 17 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
Pitching
| Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MORALES, Diego (L) | 3.1 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6.30 |
| FERRARI VÉLIZ, Gian Paolo | 1.2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8.40 |
| Totals | 5.0 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 7.00 |
USA 11, Netherlands 0, 5 innings
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 0 |
| NED | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Five-Homer Fireworks – USA Lights Up Nightcap in 11-0 Win
ing display of power hitting and pitching excellence, the USA Men’s team secured an impressive 11-0 victory in the evening game of their doubleheader in Oklahoma City. The game showcased USA’s depth and talent, with a remarkable five-home run performance leading the way. Milheim, Ochoa, Lynch, Johnson, and Kimlinger all sent balls over the fence, setting the tone for the dominant win. The Americans tallied 17
Pitching Prodigy: Gibbons Sets the Tone
Young Cody Gibbons set a high bar for the USA pitching staff with a stellar performance. Over four innings, Gibbons allowed just two hits and three walks while striking out an impressive seven batters. Javier Caballero Labanino came in for the fifth inning, preserving the shutout with one more strikeout. Their combined efforts kept the opposition’s bats quiet throughout the game.
Offensive Onslaught: A Five-Homer Spectacle
The USA’s bats were on fire, with five different players launching home runs:
- Blaine Robert Milheim was the offensive standout, going 4-for-4 with a double, a home run, and 2 RBIs.
- Erick Ochoa, Jonathan Michael Lynch, Tyler James Johnson, and Frank Matthew Kimlinger each contributed a homer to the team’s total.
- Yusef Davis Jr. and Zack Shaw were perfect at the plate, both going 3-for-3 with Davis adding a double and an RBI.
Key Moments in the Offensive Surge
- Milheim’s solo shot in the 4th inning kept the pressure on and demonstrated the team’s depth of power.
- A three-run homer by Ochoa in the 5th inning extended USA’s lead significantly.
- Johnson’s two-run blast in the 5th inning continued the momentum.
All-Around Excellence
While the home runs stole the show, the USA team demonstrated excellence in all aspects of the game:
- The pitching staff combined for 8 strikeouts while allowing only 3 hits.
- The defense played error-free ball, supporting their pitchers effectively.
- The offense showed patience at the plate, drawing 3 walks to complement their power hitting.
This victory showcases USA’s strength as a team and positions them as a formidable contender in the tournament. With this win, the USA improves their record to 3-0 and takes sole possession of first place in the standings, heading down the stretch. Tomorrow (Thursday) night’s nightcap will feature the two remaining unbeaten teams, the USA and Japan, who entered the tournament as heavy favorite. The top two teams will punch tickets to next year’s World Cup in Prince Albert, Canada. The Dominican Republic, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and host Canada have already qualified. This tournament is the third of three qualifiers, leaving only the awarding of “Wild Card” berths to the mix.
Box Score
United States
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAVIS JR, Yusef Lateef CF | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| OCHOA, Erick DP | 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| MILHEIM, Blaine Robert 3B | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| LEWIS, Jeffrey Michael 1B | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| LYNCH, Jonathan Michael LF | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| JOHNSON, Tyler James LF | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| MULLINS, Nicholas Ryan C | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| BRADFORD, Freddie Rae C | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| KIMLINGER, Frank Matthew RF | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| PANNEBECKER, Codi Nicolas 2B | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| SHAW, Zachary SS | 3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 32 | 11 | 17 | 11 | 3 | 3 |
Pitching
| Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIBBONS, Cody (W) | 4.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0.00 |
| CABALLERO LABANINO, Javier | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.00 |
| Totals | 5.0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 0.00 |
Netherlands
| Player | AB | R | H | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELFINA, Jefferson Prince CF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| DIJKHOFF, Eldrick Gabriel SS | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CASTILLO, Reangelo C | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| BEAUMONT, Anthony PH/C | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| PIRELA VILLALOBOS, Jonel Enrique 1B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| ENGELHARDT, Rachid 2B | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| JUAQUIN, Myron 3B | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| WURSTEN, Jim RF | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| COENRAAD, Forstine DP | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| JUAQUIN, Dyron LF | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 8 |
Pitching
| Player | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEYERS, Fransel Adriaan Emanuel (L) | 2.1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 12.00 |
| BONAFASIA, Lo | 1.2 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 12.25 |
| THOMPSON, Jair Frits Patrick | 1.0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 28.00 |
| Totals | 5.0 | 17 | 11. |