WBSC: “Three exciting games in Group A Opening Day”

XVIII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup

From the Official WBSC Website:

Three very important games will lead off the action at Fernando Ortiz and Mundialistas Hermosillenses stadiums, with all six teams taking the field.

With an exciting Group A Opening Day, the WBSC XVIII Men’s Softball World Cup will start today in Hermosillo, Mexico. Three very important games will lead off the action at Fernando Ortiz and Mundialistas Hermosillenses stadiums, with all six teams taking the field. Group B (10 to 14 July) in Prince Albert, Canada; and Group C in Oklahoma City, USA, from 17 to 21 September. 

Games 1 – AUS vs. VEN

Game 1 will see the top-two ranked teams in the Group A going face to face. World Champions and No. 2 in the World, Austraila, will take on No. 5 Venezuela, in a key game for their hopes to get one of the top-two places in the Opening Round. 

The last time they met was on 28 November 2022, for the Opening Round of the latest World Cup in Auckland. Australia’s superstar Jack Besgrove tossed a no-hitter with 14 strikeouts, to lift the Oceania’s team over Venezuela, 6-0.

First pitch is scheduled at 16:00 local time at Fernando Ortiz Stadium. 

Game 2 – Dominican Republic vs. Phillipines

On the other hand, Game 2 features No. 14 Dominican Republic and No. 15 Philippines. The two lowest ranked teams in the group need a win on day one to improve their chances to make the playoffs. It’s the first time these two teams play each other in a Men’s Softball World Cup.

The game will start at 16:00, and will be the only one at Mundialistas Hermosillenses stadium.

Game 3 – (Host) Mexico vs. Czechia

After the Opening Ceremony, host and No. 9 Mexico will meet No. 6 Czechia with an expected sellout crowd at Fernando Ortiz Stadium. The last time these two teams played in a Men’s Softball World Cup was at Svoboda park in Prague, when the hosts walked-off Mexico, 3-2, in an extra-inning drama. Michal Holobradek, who is in Czechia’s this year roster, pitched the eight innings for the winners, striking out 13.

The starting time is 20:45 local time.