U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup Day 7 - Live Updates: Japan jump ahead early against Australia

The Super Round of the WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup continues today with three games that could prove crucial for the fate of the teams in the tournament. 

Fans around the world can watch all the action on GameTime. The WBSC OTT platform offers Tournament and Daily Passes to watch the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup.

The second Super Round game will be between Canada (1-2) and USA (2-1). The two North American neighbours lost their yesterday's games and need to rebounce to remain in the hunt for a spot in the World Championship Game. 

Another full-house is expected at Fernando Ortiz Stadium for tonight's game between Venezuela (0-3) and Mexico (3-0). A win today will put Mexico at the gates of the World Championship Final; while for Venezuela, depending on the results of the other games, this might be a must-win game if they want to play on Sunday for a medal.

For the Placement Round, Singapore will play Argentina, while New Zealand will face Czechia, both at Mundialistas Hermosillenses stadium.

Super Round

Australia vs Japan

Bottom 5th - Japan double their lead. Ren Hashimoto tripled off the wall and one pitch later scored walking on a two-run bomb from Ruito Ono. It's the first baseman's first home run of the tournament, and RBIs number five and six. Japan leading 4-0.

Bottom 3rd - Ren Hashimoto drew a leadoff walk and then scored on an error by Australia's second baseman Lachlan Hort. Japan is in front, 2-0.

Bottom 1st - Japan jump ahead with a solo homer off the bat of left fielder Ryuki Tsuda, who rocketed a line drive to right field. He's leading the tournament in runs scored with nine.

Preview - Australia (1-2) win-loss record in the Super Round) and Japan (2-1) will face off in the first Super Round game of the day. This is a rematch of the las two World Championship Finals, with Australia winning in 2018 and Japan in 2020. Both teams opened the Super Round yesterday on a high note as the Aussies pipped Venezuela, and the Japaneses prevailed against Canada. 

Placement Round

New Zealand vs Czechia

Second inning - Both teams score in the inning. New Zealand's Shiloh Rice walked, and then scored on a defensive error by second baseman Ondrej Zobovsky. In the bottom half of the inning, Czechia tied the game again with a David Vicha RBI and then took the lead with four consecutive RBI singles. Czechia leading 5-1 

Singapore vs Argentina

Juan Pablo Godoy hit a grand slam in the first inning and pitched four frames to lead Argentina to a 10-3, five-inning win for the Placement Round. Argentina's record is now 2-1, while Singapore lost their sixth game in the event.

5th inning - Singapore score one in the top half of the inning, but a double from Genaro Correa scores Matias Clara to end the game. Argentina win 10-3.

Bottom 4th - A bases-loaded walk gives Argentina a 9-2 lead.

Bottom 3rd - Argentina take advantage of three walks and a defensive error to score four more. They lead 8-2.

Top 2nd - Zenith Chua hits an RBI single, reduce Singapore's deficit to 4-2.

First inning - Both teams hit a home run in the inning. Ean Eu hit a lead-off home run for Singapore; Juan Pablo Godoy answered with a grand slam. Argentina lead 4-1.