Team USA scored early and often in the game as they posted two runs in the first, one in the second, two more in the third and a sixth in the fourth inning. On the defensive side, Phillip Zimmerman (New Holland, Pa.) kept the Mexican batters in check through the first three innings before surrendering a run in the fourth. USA’s 6-1 lead held to the sixth when Mexico scored four runs on two hits and two USA errors. One more run in the seventh tied the contest and sent it to an extra inning.
In the eighth, Zimmerman came up huge for the home team striking out two and getting a third to fly out to left field.
In the bottom of the eighth, Team USA started with a runner at second per the International Tie Breaker (ITB) rule. Bryce DuCharme (Hudson, Wis.) led things off with a single and Tyler Stoffel (North Mankato, Minn.) was then intentionally walked to load the bases. With no outs, Bouley blasted a ball into deep right field scoring Valeros from third and securing the win for the USA Junior Men.
Zimmerman earned the win going the complete eight innings while allowing six runs on seven hits and striking out nine Mexican batters. On the offensive side, Bouley, DuCharme and Stoffel each recorded three hits in the contest.
With the win, USA moves to 3-2 in the ISF Junior Men’s World Championship and will next face Japan at 6:30 p.m. (PST) on Tuesday. Visit www.USAsoftball.com to follow live stats, streaming and see photos from all of USA’s games at the ISF World Championship.