New Zealand edges Australia to clinch hard-fought U-23 Men's Softball World Cup Qualifier
New Zealand defeated Australia, 5-4, in the fifth game of the series to clinch the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026 Oceania Qualifier played this past weekend in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Both teams will represent Oceania at next year's World Cup.
In Game 1, Australia overcame a five-run deficit to claim a 12-10 extra-inning win. A three-run homer by third baseman Haydan Dobe in the top of the eighth made the difference in the game for the green and gold squad.
New Zealand bounced back on Saturday by sweeping the doubleheader to take the lead in the series. In the second game of the weekend, the hosts topped Australia 8-3, with a 10-hit team effort and a solid outing from Jaden Hita, who tossed four scoreless innings to earn the win.
Game 3 was one-sided, with the Black Sox winning 7-0 in six innings. This time, Traye Wildrobe pitched a one-hit complete game masterpiece, striking out eight. Right fielder Ryan Earley went 2-for-2 with a homer, two RBIs, and two runs scored.
On Sunday, Australia edged the Kiwis 5-4 to tie the series. Corie List pitched six innings for the winners, allowing two hits, one run, and five walks while striking out seven. A three-run fifth inning proved enough for Australia to complete the comeback.
The series decider was a nail-biter. New Zealand enjoyed a comfortable 5-0 lead after five innings, thanks to another solid performance by Hita in the circle. However, Australia put together a three-run rally in the sixth, including back-to-back homers by Boston Lowe and Cody Smith to make it 5-3. One inning later, a two-out RBI double by Oliver Stewart made it a one-run ballgame, putting the potential tying run in scoring position. But Wildrobe came in and induced a game-ending grounder to third base by Jy Thurstun.
World No. 8 New Zealand and No. 2 Australia are the first two nations to qualify for the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026. Dates and the host for the tournament will be announced at a later stage.