Mullins scores on wild pitch, lifts USA past Philippines

Nicholas Mullins scored the United States’ only run from the third base, off a wild pitch, to record a 1-0 victory on opening day of the XVII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup at Rosedale Park.

World No. 7 USA played a tactical game on the pitching side as they utilised their bullpen, switching three different pitchers in the game.

It took two and a half scoreless innings for USA to carve outthe run that would guarantee their win. Tyler Johnson was the first one to bestruck out by Filipino pitcher Leo Barredo, but Mullins recharge their offensewith a walk.

Blaine Milheim doubled down the right field line, making wayfor Mullins to run on third, eventually scoring for his team with Milheimmoving to third base on a wild pitch.

Finally, Barredo had an answer to the surge, as he struckout Cameron Schiller and Erick Ochoa to end action in the third inning.

The pitching change occurred on the top of the fourth, asJon Gwizdala replacing starter Jerlin Rutt, giving the North American side a holdof their opponents in the next two frames. Bradley Kilpatrick came in to closethe next two scoreless innings for the United States.