Argentina ! The host team beat Japan tonight, 2-1. They have now beaten the bronze and silver medalists from 2008 ISF Jr. World (Japan, and Canada respectively. 2008 Gold medalists, Australia is in the other pool. Pool play games remaining for Argentina, Croatia on Monday and Mexico on Tuesday. It looks like the hard work and that North American summer tour is paying off for the kids from Argentina.
Argentina starter Huemul Mata became the man of the match of a game where the local team had many chances to mke the socore bigger.
Japan hit in the first inning, with an infield hit by Satoshi. Mata struck out the next two batters, but consecutive singles by Taiki and Majato scored the first run of the game.
Argentina answered in the bottom of the second. Alegre hit a double and Godoy took a free pass. Then Mata hit a line drive that hit the pitcher, and went to the left field, Alegre tried to score, but was called out with a strong throw. After that Aranaz negotiated another passport and loaded the bases, Minigutti got a K, but Malarczuk connected a 2 RBI single to make it 2-1.
On the third, fourth and fifth innigs Argentina took some good scoring situations, but couldn’t capitalize. Japan passed through all this difficult situations, and had his chance in the last inning. Takuto bunted, Zara made an error in the assistance, and the Japanese tried to reach third base, but the defense responded with an accurate throw by Roman Godoy to third, to put the first out in the scoreboard.
The end of the game came with a new strikeout by Mata, untoachable to the Japanese line up since the first inning.
Mata ended with admirable numbers. He worked 7 innings with 12 Ks, 1 BB and 5 hits, with only one run allowed.
The loser was Ogushi Taiki, who received four hits, struck out two, and allowed 2 R in 3.1 innings. Kenya Ukunaya relieved him, finishing with 2 strikeouts, 3 walks and 2 hits, with no runs allowed.
Completing the program on Sunday, at the main stadium, theUSA beat India by 9-2. However, the Asian team, made a very good job.
The other game of the day was a win for Canada, beating Croatia by 4-0.
Editor’s note: For those of you wondering, yes, Huemul (“Memu”) Mata is the brother of famed Argentine pitcher Lucas Mata.
