WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in South Korea – Day 4

only two games played, first loss for Japan

WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Day 4 was heavily plagued by rain.　　Only two games were played and both were cut to five innings because of heavy rain.
Chinese Taipei beat Japan, 3-1, thanks to a two-RBI double by left fielder Lo Wie Chieh and with some help from the rain. Minutes after Chinese Taipei got the lead, the umpires were forced to delay the game because of heavy rain. At 8.59 the Technical Commission decided to call the game and make the score final. Japan can blame the weather, but the first loss may also have something to do with errors.

Japan was quick to get on the scoreboard against Wang Yan Cheng. Shortstop Ryusei Takeoka scored from second in the bottom of the first on a base hit by designated hitter Takaya Ishikawa.
Japan gave up the tying run on a double-steal attempt. First baseman Ho Heng Yu was trapped between first and second and allowed enough time to third baseman Wang Shun Ho to steal home.

Japan’s designated hitter Takaya Ishikawa hit a one-out double off the wall in left field in the top of the fourth, but then became the second out trying to steal third.
Two errors charged on Takeoka put the runners on board for Lo Wie Chieh in the bottom of the fifth. His double off the wall in left field proved to be a game-winner.

Lee Minho throws no-hitter, Korea outscores Nicaragua

Korea defeated Nicaragua, 9-0, in a game cut to five innings by rain. The win puts Korea in a very good position in the group A tight race for a spot in the super round. Starting pitcher Lee Minho allowed only one walk and left no chance to Nicaragua. He had a lead to work when his offence, in the bottom of the third, made the most of two defensive errors.
The score was tied at zero with one out. Nicaragua’s starter Jovany Canales centre fielder Park Siwon. 　Right　fielder Lee Juhyeong reached on a defensive and second baseman Kim Jichan singled on a drag bunt to load the bases. Canales got the double-play ball he needed to get out of the jam on a comebacker by designated hitter Nam Jimin. He got the force out at home, but catcher Jorge Lopez threw the ball away trying to double up Nam Jimin at first. Two runs scored and Korea added one as a towering pop fly by shortstop Park Min fell.
Another run scored on a misplayed grounder in the bottom of the third. Korea then opened the score in the bottom of the fifth. The rally got started on a defensive error. Korea loaded the bases on back to back singles by third baseman Shin Junwoo and left fielder Park Juhong.
Nicaragua gave the call to Williams Pravia. The reliever got started with a strikeout, then allowed a base hit to Park Siwon, hit Lee Juhyeong and gave up a double to Nan Jimin.
After the third out, under heavy rain, the umpiring crew delayed the game. At 8.59 WBSC Technical Commission officially called the game and the score was made final.