Recently, Team Australia selected the roster for the Under 18’s World Cup Qualifiers which just took place in Auckland, New Zealand.
Seven NSW players took part in the tournament from the 12th to the 14th of December to determine whether Australia will go to the WBSC U18 World Cup late next year.
Day one saw Team Australia win 10-0 against Guam in 5 innings. Adam Bates struck out all 9 he faced in 3 innings and Josh Nati’s bat was on fire, going 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. The Australian pitchers combined on a 13-strikeout no-hitter.
On the second day, Team Australia was defeated 10-6 in the first game of the day against the hosts, New Zealand. In Game 3, Australia defeated Guam 11-0 in 6 innings. Our own Liam Grant hit a homer in this crucial win.
A comeback performance was given on day three by Australia defeating New Zealand 10-0. Adam Bates went 4 innings giving up only 1 hit along with 6 strikeouts. Blake Gooding had 2 hits and an RBI amidst some great offensive efforts across the team to push them ahead.
They played the Gold Medal match against New Zealand on the final day and won. Australia successfully qualified for the World Cup with the 4-0 victory over New Zealand! Josh Nati once again had a great batting performance and was 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs in the final match.
Congratulations Team Australia, and we cannot wait to watch them compete on the world stage next year!
