Sixth inning rally gives Puerto Rico massive win over Great Britain

World No. 10 Puerto Rico scored five in the bottom of the sixth to defeat No. 10 Great Britain 8-3 on Day 3 of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024. Edgardo Villegas and Randal Diaz enjoyed a two-hit game at the top of Boricua's batting order.

Great Britain took the lead in the bottom of the second. Aidan Kane singled to pitcher Agnel Miranda to lead off the at-bat. Miranda hit the following batter and Great Britain loaded the bases with Rayondre Mercer's infield single. The first run scored on a sacrifice fly by J'Quann Smith and the second on back-to-back walks.

Puerto Rico got to British starter Zac Sohosky in the bottom of the third and reversed the lead. Edgardo Villegas reached on a one-out single, followed by another base hit by Randal Diaz. Great Britain failed to get the force out on a grounder by Edrick Morales and Luis Gonzalez tied the game with a bases-loaded two-RBI single. Puerto Rico scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Luis Hernandez.

Shadel Colon took over for Miranda in the top of the fourth.

Great Britain tied the game in the top of the sixth. Rayondre Mercer reached on a one-out single and scored on the two-out RBI double by Wallace Clark. Puerto Rico handed the ball to Carlos Roses to get out of the inning.

Puerto Rico won the game with a five-run sixth inning rally. John Montes led off with a single and left for pinch-runner Jankel Ortiz. Sohosky hit Gilberto Torres and left for Samuel Hutchinson.

Puerto Rico advanced the runners to third and second and called Osvaldo Torres from the bench. The pinch hitter deliverd an RBI single on the first pitch he saw, bringing Gilberto Torres to third. Osvaldo Torres reached second on the play.

Great Britain intentionally walked Edgardo Villegas to load the bases. One run scored on a sacrifice fly by Randal Diaz. Felix Morales cleared the bases with a two-RBI triple and scored himself on a defensive error.

Puerto Rico (2-1) will play No. 24 China in the morning game on Monday, September 9. Great Britain (0-3) will face a must-win against No. 15 Australia.