U21 World Cup: Day two of the winners bracket

On the second day in the winners group, a couple of decisions fell.

Japan took on Korea. In this game both teams were each other’s equals. In this nailbiter both starting pitchers dominated the opponent’s lineup. Kijun Lim of Korea lasted seven innings in which he allowed one run on five hits. He struck out five but walked five as well. His Japanese counterpart Naoyuki Uwasawa lasted seven innings as well but he was a quite a bit more dominating than Lim. Uwasawa Gave up five hits too but didn’t allow a Korean to score. During his outing he fanned twelve batters and walked only two. Due to this win, Japan clinched a spot in Sunday’s final.

In the matchup between the Czech Republic and Australia, both starting pitchers didn’t last long. Onddrej Satoria lasted only 3.2 innings in which he allowed the biggest chunk (eight) of the runs that Australia scored. Australia’s Lachien Wells lasted only four innings. He didn’t allow a run and gave up only four hits, but he needed 81 pitches to do this. Despite the fact that the Czechs didn’t get many basehits, they were very patient at bat and fouled off many pitches. Wells walked three and struck out six. Eventually the Aussies won 9-4.

Another game in which the starting pitchers were each other’s equals was the one between Nicaragua and Taiwan. Horace Rigby lasted six frames for the Central Americans and allowed one run on seven hits. He walked three and struck out one. Ming Hsuan Chen on the other side also lasted six innings but didn’t allow a run. He gave up five hits, walked three and struck out four. Relief pitcher Jayson Aburto surrendered another run to Taiwan. He gave up one hit and a walk and he struck out one batter. Thanks to this win, Taiwan secured a spot in the gold medal game as well.

Standings: