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by Eric Balnar

“It’s one of the best moments I have experienced on a baseball field.”

Australia showed their gusto during a highly emotional come-from-behind 5-4 win over Puerto Rico in a second extra-inning on Saturday night at the Under 23 World Cup in China.

If that sound byte from Australian catcher Zak Skinner doesn’t sum up the emotion & magnitude of it all than what does?

The game, played late night in China on Saturday, had everything.

Importantly, the victory improves Australia’s record to 2-0 in Pool A. They are the only unbeaten team left in their group.

The Aussies came from a run down on three different occasions. They trailed 1-0, 3-2 and 4-3 at various points in the ball game.

“The intensity was just next level,” says Australian catcher Zak Skinner. “Playing from behind almost the whole game until the last pitch. Close ball games are always the best ball games and we live for moments like tonight.”

It’s hard to pin down just one significant, stand-out moment in a contest that just had so many.

This was a true collection of instances – and an almighty team effort – adding up to a special victory for this group of 24 players.

Nine different players reached base and five different pitchers were used.

“Everyone was needed,” said head coach Shayne Watson after the game. “Everybody played their part. There’s a real bond between the players and this age group.”

Where do I even begin to summarise what happened on a balmy, 33 degree night in Shaoxing?

It’s easy to start with Chris Burke’s sacrifice fly in the second extra tiebreaker. It’s the winning moment, after all.

With the victory run on third base, and a couple outs in his pocket, Burke lifted a ball to straight away centre to cash in the winning run.

“When Chris hit the ball to centre it was one of the best moments I have experienced on a baseball field,” says Skinner. “To come through in a tough situation isn’t easy but we knew we had the right guy and he got it done it done for us.”

But Burke’s moment doesn’t exist without Cooper Morgan.

The pitcher from Canberra was clutch with inherited runners on first and second in both of his extra-innings he pitched.

In the top of the ninth, he struck out a batter to hold Puerto Rico scoreless and keep the game 4-4.

“I knew I had a job to do, that was my only mindset,” says Morgan. “It was fuelled by our home team not giving up. They gave me the opportunity to keep us in the game so I needed to give our opportunity an opportunity to get out front and seal it.”

He also let out an almighty roar.

“I have my loved ones who are here and ones who aren’t supporting the team and I. No one can contain that amount of excitement. I’m so proud of the whole team,” he says.

What’s more impressive is Morgan closed out Australia’s 4-2 win over Colombia the night prior. 

Skinner says Morgan’s performance was the standout for him.

“He located all of his pitchers and was doing exactly what we needed for the hitters to come back up and finish it off for us. He’s got that dog in him,” he says.

Cooper Morgan wouldn’t even have the opportunity to pitch without Jo Stevens’ late game heroics.

Australia was trailing 3-2 in the seventh and final inning and down to their final out.

But Stevens, who made two brilliant defensive plays earlier in the game, extended the game by dumping a game-tying RBI single into left-field.

Stevens may not have even had a chance to swing the lumber if it weren’t for Blake Cavill beating out a throw to first with some big time hustle the batter before.

Then, there’s the pitching staff.

Puerto Rico pressured all evening. There was more traffic on Australian bases than Sydney peak hour. Puerto Rico left 13 batters on base and eight in scoring position.

Will Sheriff tossed a nervy 2.1 relief innings allowing no runs and one hit. He entered in the top of the second in relief of Ali Tanner with two runners on. No damage done. Thanks, Will.

Stuart Tharle allowed a fifth inning homer but his outing was otherwise smooth. He tossed 2.1 innings, allowing just the one run. Side-armer Josh Beezley nailed down a pair of outs.

And then there’s Cooper Morgan’s two innings of relief. Each inning had inherited runners, and he allowed just the one unearned run.

“The pitchers collectively were outstanding,” says Skinner, who has caught every pitch of Australia’s tournament so far. “Each one of them controlled the game in their own way and were ready for every opportunity given. It’s always tough to get a good connection with guys you haven’t worked with before but I couldn’t pick a better group of arms to trust and get the job done.”

Morgan says he loved the intensity of the game.

“I knew it was over when tensions started to flare. Us Aussies thrive in that environment,” he says.

The teams seem to mirror each other throughout the game. Both sides had a myriad of opportunities go by the wayside.

Australia loaded the bases in the first two innings but managed just two runs. They also grounded into two double plays, went 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position and left eight on-base.

Puerto Rico also left the bases loaded. They left thirteen on base and stranded eight in scoring position.

For the second straight night, nine Australians reached base. Jaylin Rae, Jo Stevens and Alex Skepton led the offence with two hits apiece.

John Montes was the big difference maker for Puerto Rico. He went 2-for-4 with a homer, and two RBI. At one stage, it looked like his solo shot in the fifth inning was going to be the game winner.

Australia improves to 2-0 in Pool A with three games to play. The top three teams advance to the Super Round. Australia plays Japan (1-1) tomorrow at 9:00PM AEST. They play Great Britain (0-2) on Monday and hosts China (1-1) on Tuesday.

Read the full game recap (as it happened) below.

Head to our Hub for more tournament information, standings and archived stories.

For full standings, visit the WBSC Website. 

RECAP – HOW IT UNFOLDED

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Australia sent newly turned 18-year-old Ali Tanner to the mound to start this pivotal World Cup contest vs Puerto Rico, a team who beat tournament favourite Japan 6-1 the day before.

Tanner’s first inning was met with mixed results. On one hand, he struck out two Puerto Rican batters. On the other, he conceded a pair of hits and walk. One of those hits was a two-out RBI double to left field off the bat of four-year NCAA veteran John Montes to put the Puerto Ricans up 1-0.

It didn’t take long for the Aussies to respond.

In fact, they chased Puerto Rico’s starting pitcher Omar Melendez from the game before he recorded an out.

Solomon Maguire & Chris Burke walked, Alex Skepton singled home Australia’s first score and Blake Cavill walked to load the bases.

New Puerto Rican pitcher Alejandro Moreno forced a double play ball out of Jo Stevens, but Australia was happy to trade the two outs for a run to lead 2-1 after one.

Puerto Rico strung together a two-out rally in the second to tie the game back up.

Both teams new pitchers settled the ship.

Will Sherriff entered the game with the scores knotted at two, with two on and two out in the second. He promptly worked a ground ball and proceeded to throw 2.1 innings with one hit, one walk and no runs.

Alejandro Gonzalez allowed just three hits and two walks in his 4.0 innings of work. Australia had their chances. They left the bases loaded in the second and grounded into two double-plays.

Cometh the fifth inning, cometh the fireworks.

Jo Stevens made a stellar barehanded play at third base for Australia.

Celebrations were short lived. John Montes blasted a pitch off Stuart Tharle over the left-field fence. The solo shot gave Puerto Rico a 3-2 advantage.

That was the only blemish on an otherwise excellent outing for Tharle. He allowed just two hits and the lone run in his 2.1 innings.

Josh Beezley recorded a pair of outs to close out regulation innings for Australia.

Puerto Rico continued their ‘pitch by committee’ approach. Ramon Melendez & Carlos Roses held Australia scoreless in the fifth and sixth, although Australia left runners on the corners in that fifth inning.

Australia kept the pressure up in seventh inning. Jaylin Rae opened the do-or-die inning with a double. Chris Burke walked. Alex Skepton struck out.

Blake Cavill grounded a ball to third base with Puerto Rico having a chance at a game-ending double play. They retired the first out at second, but Cavill hustled down the line to beat out the throw at first.

It mattered. Greatly.

With his country down to their final strike, Jo Stevens deposited a ball in front of the left-fielder to tie the game and force extra innings.

Puerto Rico added a run via sacrifice fly. It took nearly 20 minutes, but relief pitcher Cooper Morgan did his job in limiting the damage to give the Aussie bats a chance.

In the bottom half of the first extra inning, a wild pitch put runners on second and third with no outs. A glorious opportunity for the Australians.

But, opportunity went wayward again as Jaylin Rae was tagged out at home on a base running error, trying to advance home on a ground ball.

Sometimes the baseball gods give it right back. A wild pitch scored the tying run.

BJay Cooke and Ben Firienzi had a couple cracks at it but with no avail. To the second extra inning we go.

That’s when the Cooper Morgan magic continued. He stranded both base-runners, capped off with a clutch strike out.

Chris Burke wasted no time ending it in the bottom of the ninth with a sacrifice fly.

USEFUL LINKS

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WBSC – Official Tournament Home

Game 2 – AUS vs PR BOX SCORE

Team Australia World Cup Hub: Click for all your information.

Live Steram – via Gametime.sport

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POOL A STANDINGS
Top three advance to Super Round, Sept 12-15

1. Puerto Rico 1-0
2. Australia 1-0
3. Japan 1-1
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4. Colombia 1-1
5. China 1-1
6. Great Britain 0-2

Upcoming Australia games: Sept 8 vs JPN, Sept 9 vs GB, Sept 10 vs CHN.

Visit WBSC official event page for complete standings and stats.

A pair of late runs, some clutch defense, and a sublime pitching performance from Ky Jackson, propelled Australia to a gruelling 4-2 comeback victory over Colombia on the first day of the Under 23 Baseball World Cup.

Blake Cavill paced the offence with three hits and Jackson tossed 5.1 innings in the victory. Australia broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning by scoring a pair of winning runs.

This was far from easy. Simply put: Australia just had to battle.

The team sweat through sweltering 39-degree heat at field level in Shaoxing, China.

Jackson fought his way through a shaky first inning to turn in a wonderful final stat line.

The bats earned their way on to the scoreboard, playing both big and small, in finding different methods to score.

The defense worked their way out of some sticky situations, taking Colombian runs off the board with two different inning-ending double-plays.

“Today’s game said a lot about our guys,” said Australia’s head coach Shayne Watson. “Offensively the guys were grinding out at-bats, putting our guys in a good situation. But full credit to Ky Jackson on the mound. With what he did for us in the first game, going as deep as he did with a low pitch count, says a lot for him and his heart around Team Australia.”

Let’s start with Jackson.

The 22-year-old from New South Wales, who is pitching full-time in Japan’s Industrial League, allowed three hits and a pair runs from the first three batters he faced. Those two Colombian scores had the South Americans up 2-1 early.

From there, Jackson was nearly perfect. He retired the next twelve Colombian batters in a row, and 16-of-17, over the next 5+ innings.

You could call his pitching cerebral. The right-hander often raced ahead in counts and used his off-speed pitch to devastating effect.

“I had a lot of nerves coming into the game,” admits Jackson. “I missed a few spots. I just told myself to calm down and do what I’ve been doing all year. After that I started getting ahead in counts and I was all good. I was calm.”

Jackson finished with five strikeouts, four hits, one walk and two earned runs in his 5.1 innings of work.

“I had all my pitches working in the first but the boys made some big plays in the field which calmed me down even more. I knew if I kept putting up zeroes the guys would come through with some runs,” he said. “I really enjoyed my outing.”

Jackson’s performance on the mound allowed Australian bats to come through when it mattered the most.

Blake Cavill (below), who is playing NCAA Division I with Troy University, opened the scoring in the first with a booming two-out RBI triple off the wall.

Down 2-1 in the fourth, Solomon Maguire delivered a ground-rule double to tie the game.

In the fifth inning, Australian small ball did some big damage. Zak Skinner’s bases-loaded-walk and BJay Cooke’s sacrifice fly pushed Australia in front for good.

From there, the defense took over. Colombia had a glorious opportunity in the sixth and penultimate inning. With Jackson out the game, the South Americans loaded the bases with just one out.

But relief pitcher Kieren Hall induced a huge double play – and a jubilant reaction in the Australian dugout – to end the inning and preserve the 4-2 scoreline.

Cooper Morgan closed the door with a pair of outs in the seventh and final inning.

You can read the full recap as it happened below.

Australia is in six-team Pool A with Colombia, Puerto Rico, Japan, Great Britain and hosts China. The top three teams after pool play advance to the Super Round next weekend.

Australia’s next game is against Puerto Rico at 9:00PM AEST on Saturday 7 September. Puerto Rico opens the tournament Friday evening against Japan.

Visit our ‘U23 World Cup Hub’ for schedule, streaming, roster information & archived stories. Full tournament information can be found on the WBSC website. 

BOX SCORE: Click here.

RECAP: HOW IT UNFOLDED

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Blake Cavill drove in Australia’s first run of the game in the top of the first inning, hammering a two-out pitch off the wall in straight-away centre to score Alex Skepton.

He finished with five strikeouts, four hits, one walk and two earned runs in his 5.1 innings of work.

Colombia responded instantly in the bottom half of the inning.

Reds minor leaguer Jorge Puerta capped off a string of three straight Colombia hits to begin the first by scoring two runs with his RBI-double down the right field line.

It was nearly more. Solomon Maguire led an inning ending double play in centrefield by making a catch and doubling off a Colombian runner at second.

Australian starter Ky Jackson settled his nerves quickly. After conceding three straight hits to start the game, he sat down the next twelve in order, and 15 of 16 overall.

His pitching was cerebral, getting himself ahead in counts, attacking the zone and using his curveball to great effect.

Jackson was assisted by some smooth fielding, including a great knock down from Jo Stevens at third, and a double-play from Solomon Maguire in centrefold.

Australian bats pressured Colombian starter from the moment the umpire said “play ball”, bringing a runner into scoring positing each of the first five innings.

They eventually chased the 22-year-old in the top of the fourth inning with two runners on and two outs.

Against new Colombian pitcher David Burgos, Pittsburgh Pirates Solomon Maguire whacked a pitch to right field that one hopped the wall. The ground-rule double scored Skepton to tie the game at two.

The final line for Acevedo read: 3.2 innings, 3 hits, 2 earned runs, 1 BB, 2 HPB.

Australia kept the pressure up against the new Colombian pitchers. They loaded the bases in the fifth inning.

Zak Skinner worked a four-pitch walk to push Australia back in front 3-2. BJay Cooke doubled the lead with a sacrifice fly the next batter.

Colombia eventually chased Jackson from the game after the Australian pitcher walked a batter with one out in the bottom of the sixth.

23-year-old Kieren Hall entered in relief. A walk, a single and suddenly Colombia had bases-loaded with the go-ahead run on the tracks.

But, as they say Down Under, … “no worries.”

Hall wiggled his way out of a jam by forcing a 1-2-3 double play on former Pirates prospect Gustavo Arias.

Colombia pressured again in the seventh and final inning.

With one out and a runner on, Australia turned it over to Cooper Morgan. The left-hander from Canberra forced a groundout and a punch out to end the game.

USEFUL LINKS

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TEAM AUSTRALIA U23 WORLD CUP HUB: www.baseball.com.au/u23worldcup/ 

WBSC U23 World Cup Page: Click here

Broadcast & Streaming: Gametime.Sport

21-year-old pitcher Zak Elvy has been added to Australia’s Under-23 World Cup roster ahead of Friday’s tournament opener.

He replaces Jack Waters on the 24-man list, after it was revealed the right-hander had an injury and was unable to attend.

Elvy, from New South Wales, has experience pitching for Cochise Junior College in the United States.

He pitched for Australia at the Under-23 World Cup qualifiers last December.

Australia starts their 2024 World Cup campaign on Friday at 12:00PM AEST vs Colombia.

Head to the Under 23 World Cup Hub for roster, stories and schedule.

You can watch the game on Gametime.Sport

Getting paid to play baseball. Ain’t that the dream?

When the Under 23 World Cup in China on Friday with a match vs Colombia, Team Australia will look to their twelve professional baseball players to help steady the ship and perform under pressure where required.

Exactly half of the 24-man squad is either grinding away in the USA’s minor league system, or playing professionally vs top international talent in the Australian Baseball League.

The other half? College Australians ready to make their mark (you can read about the twelve of them here).

Each pathway and professional experience offers a different tool, a different resource or mindset, and different perspective on different game aspects to draw upon when things get hard at an international tournament.

Let’s take a look at who the twelve professional players are, learn about their journeys, how they are preparing for the World Cup, and hear from them directly on how their unique pro-ball experience can help Australia when it matters most.

For more stories, schedule and information, visit our Under 23 World Cup Hub.

JAKE BURNS – CATCHER

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Professional Experience: Sydney Blue Sox (3 seasons), St. Louis Cardinals Minor Leagues (3 seasons)
Current Team: Brisbane Bandits

He’s only 21, but Jake Burns has a decade of international experience.

Burns was crushing homers as a 12-year-old in front of millions of people on ESPN at the Little League World Series. He played for Australia at the Under-15 World Cup in 2018 and the Under-18 World Cup in 2019. Burns represented Australia at the Asia Professional Baseball Championships in 2023.

He’s spent three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals minor leagues from 2021-2023, and has three years experience in the ABL with the Sydney Blue Sox.

Although, he just announced he signed with the Brisbane Bandits for the next two years. 

World Cups. Major international tournaments. Professional experience.

Did we mention he’s just 21?

He says he has learned a lot from some pretty influential people in the baseball world.

“I was lucky enough to spend some time learning from Yadier Molina with the Cardinals,” says Burns. “He taught me many concepts & strategies in regards to game within the game. Stuff like reading swings, controlling the run game, leading the pitching staff. These are all things I can use in the tournament.”

Burns says he will also use his tournament experience to lead the team.

“Great tournament teams do the little things right. They stay consistent. They make the plays that need to be made. At the international level there is no margin for error,” he says. “So, if we can play perfect defense and play our brand of baseball we can compete with the best in the world.”

Burns has been training and playing winter ball in New South Wales during the tournament build up.

BYRON ARMSTRONG – INFIELDER

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Professional Experience: Perth Heat (1 seasons)
Current Team: Perth Heat

The 22-year-old returned from a stint in college and played his rookie season with the Perth Heat in 2023-24. Armstrong hit .250 with four RBI in 15 games while playing multiple positions in the field.

He also has experience at the 2019 Under-18 World Cup.

Amstrong says his first full-season around the Perth Heat taught him valuable lessons, from playing with top prospects, former MLB players, Australian national team stars and against international calibre competition.

“From being around a lot of the older guys in the squad, they really teach you that you are going to have days that are tough. But just stick with it because you never know when your time will come in a big spot. The say to trust your preparation,” he says.

Amstrong lives in Perth full-time and has been making sure he’s in the right shape for the upcoming tournament, despite not playing a professional game since February.

“The build up to the tournament has been intense,” he says. “It’s all about getting my body set up for tournament baseball – weather that’s on a field or at the gym. I feel ready to go.”

When it comes to tournament baseball, Armstrong adds it’s all about being in the moment.

“From my own experience sometimes things can be intense and feel overwhelming so you just have to give it your all, and most importantly have fun.”

BJay Cooke – Infielder

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Professional Experience: Perth Heat (1 season), Athletics minor leagues (3 seasons)
Current Team: Oakland Athletics minor leagues

21-year-old Cooke is living out his first full season above rookie ball. He’s spent most of the season with the Stockton Ports in Class-A.

While it’s been an adjustment to the new level, Cooke has particularly impressed with some big moments defensively.

“Different situations can arise throughout the course of a professional season that you don’t see coming. You have to be able to adapt to them,” says Cooke. “Tournament baseball is similar. We have to be able to take the field and compete to win no matter the circumstances.”

He also brings tournament experience to the fold, playing for Australia at the 2022 U-23 World Cup.

“Physically, I am in a great place. Making sure I am mentally prepared has been important coming off a long season of ups, downs and some injury set backs,” he says. “Having the experience in 2022, I feel like I was able to put a plan in place to be ready this year.”

Cooke says he feels optimistic about Australia’s chances.

“For me, being able to reset every day – win or lose – playing every game with that Australian grit we have deep down. If we do that as a collective, we have a chance to win gold in China,” he says.

Chris Burke – Outfielder

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Professional Experience: Melbourne Aces (6 seasons), Philadelphia Phillies minors (2 seasons), Kansas City Royals minors (1 season).
Current Team: Melbourne Aces (unconfirmed)

Chris Burke had a phenomenal 2022 Under-23 World Cup. He had an OPS of 1.047 with two homers and five RBI in seven games to claim the tournament Batting Champion Award.

Burke returns in 2024 with more experience at the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship where he once again starred with the bat, as well as a lengthy ABL career. Plus, he has three years in the minor leagues.

“Playing professionally taught me the importance of taking outs that are given to you. At a high level everyone can hit and execute so taking care of the baseball wins games,” he says.

He says that care for the baseball needs to be replicated come tournament time.

“You never know when your name will be called to execute and get the job done. You must be ready at all times to do the team thing. You could be having a tough day at the plate or defensively and still be a hero in the late innings – that’s the beauty of tournament baseball,’ he says.

Burke says he’s spent the build-up to the tournament training with the Performance Pathways program in Victoria, simulating a lot of intense game scenarios.

“[Things like] crucial situation training, and crucial plays we will see in China have been a focus,” he says. “Bat to ball skills have been a big focus. Damian Shanahan and Keli Zablan have been running a great Performance Pathways program in Victoria that I’ve been taken part of and it’s got me to the point where I feel prepared and ready to compete.”

Solomon Maguire – Outfielder

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Professional Experience: Sydney Blue Sox (2 seasons), Pittsburgh Pirates minor leagues (4 seasons)
Current Team: Pittsburgh Pirates Minor Leagues

Maguire spent 2024 in his first season above Rookie Ball – and one of his first year’s healthy. He played in Single-A with the Bradenton Marauders.

He made a name for himself by making consistent diving plays in the outfield, while throwing out the occasional runner.

Going back to the start of the ABL season in November, Maguire has played baseball nearly every day.

He says while that will serve him well, it’s the team camaraderie that he’s focused on.

“Our preparation in that sense is second to none on the field, but it’s mentally what we have done in the lead up. It’s talking amongst each other and repeatedly throwing words like gold medal and world champions into conversations as if they are common terms for us,” he says.

He’s also picked up some valuable lessons in his first full season above Rookie Ball.

“Lingering in the past will eat you up fast. We all know failure is part of the game, so letting a previous pitch, at-bat, or game get to me is something I’ve had to work hard on to let go,” he says. “We are about to enter a tournament where every game is playoff baseball. One at bat could be the difference.”

21-year-old Maguire played for Australia at the last Under-23 World Cup. He says he learned a lot there too.

“About two years ago Dave Nilsson told me to slow the heart rate down. Any team can drop the ball, whether it’s one that we have previously beaten or a powerhouse with tons of names and prospects. Figuring out how to relax in the moments will maximise our chances of getting our best stuff in these games,” he says. “That’s what I think the key will be to tournament baseball.”

ALEX SKEPTON – OF

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Professional Experience: Brisbane Bandits (1 season)
Current Team: Brisbane Bandits

Skepton was one of the stories of the 2023-24 Australian Baseball League season.

He started the year as a development player and ended the year finishing third in voting for the MVP Award. That’s what you get when you hit .330 with eight homers and 23 RBI in 31 games.

He says he learned how to slow things down in his breakout ABL season.

“In pressured situations it is easy for things to spin out in your own head and make it seem like the task at hand is harder than it is,” he says. “You need to trust your preparation and find a way to simplify the game in your own way to compete to the best of your ability. Simple cues and approaches makes that happen.

Skepton says he learned that having the right mindset was important. That approach needs to carry over from ABL to the World Cup.

“I had come across some big player names in the ABL this year. If I didn’t have the believe in myself that I could compete with and against the best, I never would have had the success from last season,” he says.

Skepton played for Australia at the 2019 U18 World Cup and the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championships.

He says he learned to be adaptable from those experiences.

“Be ready for everything. Tournament baseball is fast paced and you need to be thinking steps ahead of the play or opportunities could be missed,” he adds.

Skepton says preparation for the World Cup began shortly after the ABL ended in February. On field preparations have involved working with the state baseball programs Queensland to become mentally and physically prepared.

“After reflecting on [the ABL] season I knew there were a few areas I had to improve on in the gym. I got to work on these almost immediately,” he says.

Will Sherriff

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Experience: Perth Heat (4 seasons), Arizona Diamondbacks (1 season), Rakuten Golden Eagles (training squad)
Current Team: Perth Heat, Rakuten Golden Eagles training player

Will brings some of the most diverse experience to Team Australia.

He is the only player on the roster to have appeared in the World Baseball Classic. He did so in a cauldron – starting a game vs Japan in Tokyo front of a Shohei-Ohtani crazed audience.

He’s also pitched for Australia at the U18 and U23 World Cup and the Asia Professional Baseball Championships.

Sherriff says he is in great form because he has been in Japan for the last six weeks training with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the NPB.

He has a career 3.52 ERA in four seasons with the Perth Heat in Australia.

“It’s all about trust,” says Sherriff of the lessons he’s learned. “Trust in every single player and coaching staff in the team. You play with so many different players and coaches all the time and most of the time you only spend a little bit of time with those guys before jumping into a tournament. Having trust that everyone wants to achieve the same thing and is putting 100% into it makes it easier to compete.”

Sheriff has lots of experience with international tournaments. He says the key is to be perfect on the “one percenters.”

“So many times in big games you win or lose over those little plays you make or don’t make,” he says. “That’s why Japan is the number one team in the world. They play the small ball game perfectly and make the easy plays all the time. If we can do that too we will be successful.”

DYLAN CLARKE – RHP

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Professional Experience: Sydney Blue Sox (2 seasons)
Current Team: Sydney Blue Sox

22-year-old Clarke has been busy the past two years.

He played in the 2022 Under-23 World Cup, pitched two seasons in the ABL for the Blue Sox, and for Team Australia at the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championships.

“Having experience in the ABL has taught me how to better prepare. I have a greater understanding of how I need to approach this and these months of preparation have put me in a good spot,” he says.

Clarke rattled off nine strike outs in 4.2 innings at the last Under-23 World Cup.

He adds that time with Blue Sox and in tournaments has also shown him how it’s important to be in the moment.

“Whatever good or bad happened yesterday means nothing to competing in the present,” he says. “Most importantly – enjoy what you are doing. Take it in and embrace those games and moments.”

The ABL finished in February but Clarke has been playing winter ball in the build up.

“It’s allowed me to keep the arm in shape on the mound and take the time to play more long toss to work on my craft,” he says.

KIEREN HALL – RHP

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Professional Experience: Perth Heat (1 season)
Current Team: Perth Heat

The 23-year-old returned to Australia after graduating from NCAA Division I program Evansville.

He played in nine games for the Heat during their run to the ABL Championship Series.

“I think my biggest takeaway from my rookie season is just having to trust the preparation I’ve put in and having a good routine before and during games,” he says. “I think what this does for me is it just lets me relax and compete. Quite simply: Controlling what I can control.”

Hall says once the ABL season ended in February focus shifted to this tournament. He’s been working with former Major Leaguer and Team Australia co-captain Warwick Saupold.

“He’s been a great mentor and teammate to me. He’s been helping me with my transition to the ABL, widening my knowledge of of tournament style baseball,” he says. “It’s been a huge help for my growth as a player.”

Hall has also been working with Heat coach Andy Kyle and throwing bullpens to senior team catcher Alex Hall.

“I think surrounding myself with like-minded people and taking on anything a teammate or coach has said has been the best thing for my preparation,” says Hall.

He’s also says it’s all about the team-first mentality.

“Every Australian baseball tournament I’ve been part of, the biggest thing is ‘all hands on deck.’ I truly believe that is the key to tournament baseball,” says Hall. “It’s going to take each person on this team at any given time of the tournament to do their part in reaching our goal of bringing home the hardware.”

Hall played for Australia at the 2019 Under-18 World Cup and the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championships.

Ky Jackson

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Experience: Industrial League in Japan, 1 season
Current Team: Hoping to be drafted in NPB

While the Industrial League in Japan isn’t technically professional, it may seem like it to an Australia. Jackson is playing baseball every day with Nippon Express.

He and his teammates play against all the major corporations in Japan like Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda and Subaru.

They play in big tournaments in Japan’s biggest stadiums like Jingu Stadium, Kyocera Dome and the Tokyo Dome.

Once they have spent two years in the system there is an opportunity to be drafted into the NPB (pro). Ky is eligible next year.

“The lessons I learned in Japan and the previous Under 23 World Cup is about communication with the catcher and trusting, having confidence with my stuff. [It’s about] attacking the strike zone with all pitches as the opponent has likely never faced me,” he says.

Jackson graduated from university in Japan and has been pitching in the Industrial League since February which he says is a big step up in level.

“Playing in big tournaments over here has been great for what to expect at the World Cup,” he says.

Ali Tanner

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Experience: Adelaide Giants (1 season)
Current Team: Development player for Adelaide Giants, committed to Arizona State

As a newly turned 18-year-old, Tanner is the youngest member of the Under-23 squad. He played one season as a development player with the Adelaide Giants and is committed to Arizona State University in 2024-25.

Tanner’s lone season in a professional environment was impressive.

He appeared in four games, tossing 4.1 innings and did not allow a run in the Giants’ championship winning season.

Tanner can throw 95mph and starred for Australia at the 2023 Under 18 World Cup.

“I want to soak up all the experiences this tournament has to offer. I want to learn as much as possible and keep proving myself against talented opposition,” he says.

Ali’s life has been busy. His typical day consists of school at Year 12, 2-3 hours of baseball training, the gym and casual work.

Lachlan Brook – Left Handed Pitcher

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Professional Experience: Sydney Blue Sox (1 season)
Current Team: Sydney Blue Sox

The newly turned 21-year-old product of New South Wales was uber impressive in his first year as a pro.

He was a development player with the Blue Sox but after strong club ball showings he earned some play time. He pitched 4.2 innings later in the season and didn’t allow a run.

He says he learned more about the importance of pitch selection and location while being in the professional environment.

“You’re facing good hitters every at-bat,” he says. “I had to learn how to best prepare myself as a relieve because in club ball I’ve been a starter. Players like Josh Guyer and Chris Oxspring taught me how to warm up properly and understand where I might be used in a game as baseball is unpredictable.”

Brook was initially a reserve for the Under 23 World Cup squad but was called up to replace one of Kailen Hamson / Adam Bates.

Still,

“I’ve been following our pitching coach Josh Tols’ throwing program. I’m in the Gym four days a week, throwing five times, and working with Tread Athletics,” he says. “I’ve been working on my lower half mechanics and doing ply ball drills to help my arm path.”

Bonus – ADAM BATES – RHP

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Professional Experience: Boston Red Sox minor leagues (1 season)
Current Team: Boston Red Sox minor leagues

While Adam is no longer able to play in the World Cup, we still want to highlight where he’s come from.

19-year-old Bates just finished his first season as a professional. He pitched in 11 games for the Boston Red Sox Rookie Ball team in the Florida Complex League. In 36.2 innings, Bates posted a 3.96 ERA.

Bates, who played on Australia’s Under-18 World Cup team in 2023, grew stronger as the season progressed. He allowed just three earned runs in his last 14.2 innings.

“I’ve learnt that you have to attack the strike zone and not become timid,” he says of his first year experience. “This allows you to keep the pitch count low and make the hitter uncomfortable as they go into attack mode from the start. Don’t stress over the hits – keep attacking and trust the team behind you.”

Bates’ build-up has consisted of throwing bullpens and playing in practice games against the Twins’ minor league squad.

“This has put me in a good place. It gives me the ability to define my pitches in-game under pressure to ensure I can perform,” he says.

 

Team Australia has made three changes to their roster ahead of the Under 23 World Cup next week in China.

Pitchers Kailen Hamson and Adam Bates plus pitching coach Josh Tols are no longer able to play due to circumstances beyond their control.

They have been replaced by two left-handed pitchers Conor Myles and Lachlan Brook.

World Series winner and longtime national team coach Graeme Lloyd will travel with the team as the pitching coach.
Details on each player is below.

The World Cup runs from September 6-15 in China. You can view our schedule, roster, links to story and streaming information via our Under 23 World Cup Hub.

Australia starts their campaign vs Colombia on September 6.

The updated roster is reflected in the graphic below.

LHP – Conor Myles (Junior Club: Cheltenham Rustlers, VIC) – Myles played two seasons of Junior College at Odessa in Texas, where he compiled a career .331 average. He’s primarily been a two-way player. He transferred to NCAA program University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) where he converted to a pitcher. Myles appeared in 19 games out of the bullpen striking out 17 batters in his first full year as a pitcher.

LHP – Lachlan Brook (Junior Club: Macarthur Orioles) – A product of the NSW baseball system, 21-year-old Brook impressed as a development player with the Sydney Blue Sox in 2024. He pushed his way into the regular bullpen options for the Sox, pitching 4.2 scoreless innings in the last half of the season and has dominated locally in club ball.

Congrats to the players selected! They depart September 3.

Australia’s success at the Under-23 World Cup in September will largely depend on how the twelve players either currently in or returning from US college baseball programs perform.

They make up half of Australia’s roster but many of the haven’t played a game of baseball on home soil in a number of years.

Right after they finished high school, they jumped on a plane to play as much baseball as possible while gaining an education in America.

Now, they are thrust back in the Australian baseball spotlight and will be key figures in trying to secure a World Cup medal.

This article serves to re-introduce you to those players. You can hear from each and learn about their journeys below.

VIEW THE ROSTER & SCHEDULE: Australia at the U23 World CUP

There are high expectations as to what they can bring to a Team Australia environment, says head coach Shayne Watson.

“Those connections are important,” says Watson. “We also really appreciate the colleges working with us to allow the players to go to this World Cup to help their country.”

The players in question left home as young 18-year-olds and now many are 22. They aren’t necessarily the same people as who they are when they left.

They are more mature humans now with a greater sense of independence.

They’re also improved as baseballers. That will be handy come World Cup time.

“[In college], you get a lot more at-bats, more ground balls, and have an expanded lifting schedule compared to home,” says 22-year-old infielder Ben Fierenzi, currently at Long Island University in the NCAA.

“We’re always finding ways to get work in, no matter rain or shine. We’re always watching film on all parts of the game and finding ways to get better. I’ve found you have to be adaptable and organised because your schedule is always changing because you’re juggling weights, practices, games and classes.”

All twelve of these players had to go the junior college route, plying their trade at a small school for two years before transferring to a larger program.

That in itself is a great learning experience.

“College baseball is a grind. Being on the field every day, in the weight room 4+ days a week,” says catcher Zak Skinner. “JUCO and NCAA both showed me that when I put my mind to something and I want it really badly, the only person stopping me is myself.”

But their love of the game, and pride in their country hasn’t changed.

Now, they have a chance to do something special at the World Cup.

Nobody would blame you for being unfamiliar with the players.

So, let’s meet the players, see what level they play and hear what they’ve been up to.

ZAK SKINNER – LAMAR UNIVERSITY

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Position: Catcher
Age: 22
2025 Team: Lamar University

The 22-year-old left to Vernon College, a JUCO, in 2021. He was a third-team All-American, a two-time all-conference selection, and hit .447 with ten homers and 61 RBI in his final year.

Those numbers allowed him to transfer to NCAA Division 1 school Lamar University for the 2024 season.

He continued to flourish. Skinner posted a .339 average with 10 home runs and 51 RBI as the team’s go-to catcher in 58 games.

Skinner says the experience of playing college baseball as helped him in all aspects of his game.

“Being on the field every day, in the weight room 4+ days a week, and having a team of guys who you spend 95% of the time with [helps],” he says. “It has really shown me how to push myself each day and what it means to be a good team mate.”

Skinner will return to Lamar for a senior season in 2025.

He says his mental side of the game has improved since he left Australia.

“College baseball is a grind. JUCO and NCAA both showed me that when I put my mind to something and I want it really badly, the only person stopping me is myself,” he says.

Skinner says Aussie fans can expect him to give everything he has 100% of the time.

“I’m excited for myself and all the boys to show the world what Australian baseball is all about.”

BLAKE CAVILL – WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY (2024 team)

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Position: 1B / Infield
Age: 22
2025 Team: Troy University Trojans

Cavill had a phenomenal junior career in New South Wales. He won multiple national championships with New South Wales and also charter tournaments with Cronulla.

Cavill even slotted in for a few games for the Sydney Blue Sox in the 2021 season.

In 2022 & 2023, he played at Northwest Florida State College where he notched a .338 / .490 / .532 slash line in 50 games played in his final season.

He transferred to Western Kentucky in NCAA Division 1 in 2024. Cavill hit .313 with eight homers and 53 RBI in 58 games with an OPS of .970. Cavill belted 19 doubles and primarily played first base.

Cavill has since transferred to Troy University where he will play next season.

“[College] helped me to understand and learn the game of baseball. Long days at the field and long days in class but it’s all worth it,” he says. “Division 1 this year helped me become a more mature hitter, understanding how pitchers pitch to you.”

While his numbers as a junior in Australia, Cavill says he’s hitting has improved even more.

“I’ve worked with lots of different coaches at college and the Cape Cod League, so learning more about my swing and understanding what works and doesn’t has been amazing,” he says.

Cavill says it’s a team first mentality for him at the World Cup.

“Expect a lot of positivity on and off the field.”

JO STEVENS – WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

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Position: Infield / 3B
Age: 23
2025 Team: Sydney Blue Sox

Stevens has just finished his college career and will play for the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League this season. What a college career it was…

He played at two different colleges before transferring to Purdue for the 2023 season.  He started in 2021 at Cal State Bakersfield. In 2022, Stevens played for Yavapi College in Arizona.

In two seasons with Purdue, Stevens appeared in 107 games. His senior year was his best, hitting .307 with a .962 OPS. He collected nine homers and 43 RBI.

“I believe [college] enhanced by baseball IQ,” says Stevens. “It’s truly taught me what teamwork is and how cohesive of a unit we can become to reach a goal.”

Stevens says his mental game has also improved.

“Just understanding adversity and turning negatives into positive,” he says.

Stevens says expect to see some clutch hitting, some nice defensive plays, but mainly the passion and emotion he plays with during the game.

BEN FIERENZI – LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY

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Position: Infield / Shortstop
Age: 22
2025 Team: Long Island University

Fierenzi spent 2022 and 2023 with Arizona Western, a prolific junior college. He slashed .329/.447/.417 with 13 doubles, one triple, two homers, 54 RBIs and 17 steals in 240 at-bats spanning 80 games.

He transferred to Long Island for the 2024 season and made an instant impact. Fierenzi was named to the second-team of the All North East Conference (NEC) and was named to the All-NEC Tournament team.

He hit .325 on the season and ended the year on a 24-game on-base streak where he collected 39 hits in that span.

Fierenzi says the volume of baseball has made him a better player.

“You get a lot more at-bats, more ground balls, and have an expanded lifting schedule compared to home,” he says. “We’re always finding ways to get work in, no matter rain or shine. We’re always watching film on all parts of the game and finding ways to get better. I’ve found you have to be adaptable and organised because your schedule is always changing because you’re juggling weights, practices, games and classes.”

Fierenzi says that volume has helped him become more consistent.

“No matter how tired you are or how tough something may be you have to show up with the same mindset: to get better,” he says. “I would also say that moving away from home has made me a lot more mature as a player and person. It forced me to grow up and make decisions independently.”

Fierenzi says every game he will do whatever is needed for the team’s success in whatever role required.

CAYDEN NICOLLETO – COLUMBIA COLLEGE

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Position: Utility
Age: 21
2025 Team: Missouri (NCAA Division I)

A season to remember. Cayden’s third year in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) was record breaking.

He broke multiple program records with 87 hits, 27 home runs, 81 RBI, 193 total bases, while tying individual batting record in slugging percentage at .915 and 211 total at-bats. He ranked third in the NAIA with 27 home runs, was named the AMC Player of the Year and an NAIA First-Team All-Star.

His performance allowed him to transfer to NCAA Division I powerhouse Missouri for the 2025 season.

“This was the first time I had a 100% healthy full season, I was really able to focus and put myself in the best position to be successful,” says Nicoletto.

The Western Australian says his college experience has been invaluable both on and off the field.

“[It’s] the work ethic everyone has around you,” he says. “Finding the right program that have coaches that want nothing more than to help you improve and teammates who are willing to work has hard as you. Everyone is fighting for a spot in the starting line up so it’s a competition within itself. It’s about scarfing so much you really buy in trying to be the best person because we [Australians] do not come to the other side of the world to not be on that field.”

Nicoletto has attended three schools. He’s never been selected for a national squad but his hard work and willingness to learn has helped earn him his first World Cup selection.

“Australians should expect to see someone with a passion for success in this sport,” he says. “I couldn’t be more proud. As a player, I look to be aggressive and keep the pressure on the other team. Tournament style baseball is a different level and momentum can swing back & forth with anyone being able to beat anyone on any given day.”

JAYLIN RAE – WESTERN KENTUCKY

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Position: IF / OF
Age: 23
2025 Team: Sydney Blue Sox

Rae is back for his second Under-23 World Cup and brings a heap of college experience.

He played two seasons at Central Arizona College (JUCO) and one season at Charleston Southern. He won a national JUCO championship while at Central Arizona and is top 10 all-time for single-season hits for them with 92 while batting .372 with 16 doubles, 45 RBI, and 14 stolen bases.

His junior college experience helped land him a baseball offer at Western Kentucky in the NCAA.

Rae appeared in 42 games while making 35 starts as a utility player. He had a .274 average with two home runs with 14 RBI and 19 runs scored. Notably, he finished tied for ninth nationally in sacrifice bunts with 13.

He says the college system helped him learn discipline, work ethic and “most importantly team work.”

“If anyone knows me, I’m a big team first guy,” he says. “Being a utility, I played six different positions in my last year of college. I’m ready to play wherever and be the spark plug for the boys.”

Rae also says he’s developed a lot in between the ears.

“I think understanding and implementing the mental side of the game has been key. Learning to be present each moment allowed me to enjoy it,” he says. “Being around experienced coaches and older players gives you a chance to pick their brains and pick up different strategies.”

Rae is now an experienced player himself, returning for a second U23 World Cup.

“From the last trip I learned to have fun because it’s not every day you get to be around the best Aussie guys all in one team,” he says. “It’s always a different experience playing for your country. It means more than just yourself. Each game is like playing for a national championship or World Series.”

“It’s like life or death.”

MADDUX STIVEY – San Jacinto College

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Position: RHP
Age: 20
2025 Team: Emporia State University

After winning the 2020 Under-18 National Championships MVP for WA, Stivey went to college. He just finished two years at San Jacinto, a junior college in Texas where he posted a 4.95 ERA in 20.0 innings during his senior year.

For 2025, he transferred to Emporia State University, an NCAA Division II program in Kansas.

He says the grind of college baseball challenges you mentally and physically every day.

“It provides me a platform to compete, be challenged, make changes and improve every time I step on the field,” he says. “I have access to one-on-one coaching, team trainings, late night work outs or early morning ones. I play with people from different countries around the world and hearing their advise has directly impacted me.”

Stivey, one of the younger members on the team, says he is ready to bring the energy at the World Cup.

“I will be the guy with a big grin on my face, showing how happy I am to represent my country and play the game I love and enjoy,” he says. “I will contribute towards the team at all times whether it is on the mound, helping warm someone up or even getting somebody water.”

STUART THARLE – Three Rivers Community College

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Position: RHP
Age: 21
2025 Team: Cumberland University

Tharle just completed two seasons at Three Rivers Community College, a JUCO. He started 11 games in his senior year in 2024, going 5-4 with a 5.55 ERA while compiling 50 strikeouts in 48.1 innings.

He transferred to the University of Cumberland in Kentucky, a Division II school in the NCAA that’s hosted plenty of Australians before.

Tharle says the college experience has made him a better person and player.

“It’s not just being around baseball and guys who love the game, it’s the level of competition you face that makes you a better player. You have to work hard to be the best and you have to be willing to do more than the people around you to get where you want in your career,” he says.

Tharle says his mental game while pitching has improved immensely.

“I truly learned how the mental side of pitching matters. You have to be strong to win at this level and any level beyond. I am a firm believer in if you are truly confident in yourself and know that you have the upper hand, it makes the game a lot easier,” he says.

Tharle says fans can expect to see a passionate player.

“I want to win not just for myself but for Australia. Expect me to be passionate and respectful of the game. I will be there for my team to back them up every single pitch,” he says.

JACK WATERS – Eastern Kentucky University

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Position: RHP
Age: 23
2025 Team: Eastern Kentucky University

Waters returns to the Under-23 squad after playing in the 2022 World Cup. He brings more college, life and tournament experience with him.

Waters spent 2022 & 2023 with Arizona Western College (JUCO). He transferred to Eastern Kentucky ahead of the 2024 season and will remain there this year.

In his first year in NCAA Division I, he appeared in 13 games and made four starts with a 6.33 ERA. Waters struck out 29 and walked only nine in 27 innings.

“Having played junior college in Arizona [and now] Division I baseball in Kentucky, it’s exposed me to so many different cultures and environments both on & off the field,” he says. “With that comes a lot of learning opportunities.”

Waters says he’s seen growth from college both on and off the field.

“On the field, I have grown as a teammate infinitely. I take a lot of pride in this because being coachable and being able to constructively coach your teammates and directly correlate to team performance and cohesiveness,” he says. “Away from the field, independence and time management has been my biggest growing point.”

Waters says he wants to use his experience at World Cups to help his teammates.

“I hope I can relay the message that this is truly a team effort. Yes, it will take everyone’s individual performances but it is two weeks of undivided attention to detail and everybody needs to be on board.”

Kailen Hamson – Cumberland University

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Position: LHP
Age: 22
2025 Team: Cumberland University

Hamson transferred to Cumberland University, an NCAA Division II school in Kentucky, after two years at Three Rivers Community College.

He started six games with 21 total appearances, finishing with a 6-1 record, an ERA of 5.88 and struck out 79 batters in 56.2 innings.

His high strike-out rate and perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in the season has him poised to be an effective no matter the situation for the Australian coaching staff.

Cooper Morgan – Cumberland University

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Position: LHP
Age: 22
2025 Team: Cumberland University

Morgan transferred to Cumberland after a two-year career Walters State Community College (JUCO).

In his first season in NAIA with Cumberland, he compiled a 4-1 record with 48 strikeouts in 38 innings. Batters hit just .223 vs Morgan.

“Baseball in general has taught me a lot about myself, but the college experience has taught me everything I know,” he says. “From how to cook…sort of…to the non-stop competition and fight for a team. It’s a constant battle for playing time so you can’t get complacent. I know now that everybody here is for the same reason I am, I just have to do it better. I went through the JUCO route and I couldn’t be happier. It taught me to be even more resilient than the next guys. You have to earn every pitch on that mound.”

Morgan adds he has learned to better focus on the job at hand and control what he can control.

When it comes to tournament baseball, he says he’s ready to bring the energy.

“You won’t see me without a smile on my face. I love this game and that’s why we all do it,” he says. “When I pitch I won’t be smiling as much but you can expect by best effort and a lot of great baseball with us on top.”

Josh Beezley – Little Rock University

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Position: RHP
Age: 22
2025 Team: Little Rock Trojans

The side-arm pitcher first went to school at a Division II Junior College with National Park.

After two successful seasons, he transferred to NCAA Division I program Little Rock-Arkansas and became a trusted reliever in the program. He’ll return for 2025.

He appeared in 21 games, all out of the bullpen, posting a 4.85 ERA in a hitter-friendly conference in 39.0 innings pitched. He often pitched high-leverage situations for the Trojans.

“Playing baseball in the USA has tested me both on and off the field,” says Beezley. “The level of play and amount of games allows you to practice your craft over and over and over. Baseball is a grind in the States. It teaches you to try and out work everybody because the higher you go in baseball the harder it is to get a spot.”

Beezley says there’s been personal growth too.

“It’s really helped me grow as a person. I’ve overcome so many challenges being so far away from home and taken on many different roles within the team,” he says. “After being with a team you see every day and watching them strive to be the best they can be, it makes you want it so much more.