Eight Australians confirmed in the inaugural Women's Pro League draft

24 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Eight Australians confirmed in the inaugural Women's Pro League draft

UPDATE (OCTOBER 5): Seven Australians have made the cut in the Women’s Professional Baseball League. Ticara Geldenhuis (NSW), Claire O’Sullivan (NSW), Elodie O’Sullivan (NSW), Leah Cornish (WA), Maddie Erwin (ACT), Caitlin Eynon (WA), Allie Bebbere (VIC), Chloe Atkinson and Molly Paddison (QLD) are among the 150 players ruled eligible for the draft in October. You can view the prospect list and details here.

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW (October 1)

Team Australia / Victorian pitcher Allie Bebbere, Queensland star Molly Paddison and award winning utility star Caitlin Eynon received some welcome news recently.

They all learned they had made the cut and will be entered in the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) Draft Pool.

Eynon submitted her application via video while Bebbere and Paddison went to the USA for an in person tryout.

Bebbere and Paddison were two of a handful of Australians who travelled to Washington, DC in August to try out for the WPBL – an American women’s professional competition starting in 2026.

They survived four days of cuts and two-week wait to find out if they were in a player pool of 150 who will be eligible for selection.

Over 600 players travelled to Washington to try to crack the inaugural version of the league.

There are six teams slated to play in Year 1 of the professional competition. The draft is schedule for late October / early November but yet to be confirmed.

Bebbere, 31, was one of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Group Stages’ best pitchers when she made her Emerald’s debut. She was won multiple Australian Women’s Championships (AWC) Golden Arms and was the first woman to play Division I men’s baseball for Fitzroy.

Bebbere (above) was working out in Washington on the mound and at first base.

“Personally, I start gearing up for summer – that is the best preparation for me,” says Bebbere, a pitcher with the Doncaster Dragons in Victoria. “It’s my bigger season, and with the WPBL season starting off the back of that, I look to have a good Australin summer as my best preparation.”

Paddison, 18, was a breakout star at the 2024 Australian Women’s Championships for Queensland. She followed it up with another commanding 2025 tournament, gaining traction among international scouts.
She is an athletic centerfielder.

“I don’t think there is much I can do to prepare for the draft itself, besides maybe organise a draft party if the time differences line up,” adds Bebbere.

Caitlin Eynon submitted her tryout by video and was notified in late September she is also part of the draft pool.

Eynon starred for the Emeralds at the 2023 World Cup. At the 2025 Australian Women’s Championships, Eynon won the Golden Arm and Golden Gloves awards.

The 22-year-old has played in three Australian Women’s Showcases.

If there are other Australians who made the cut and we don’t know, many apologies (and congratulations!). Please send details to Eric at eric.balnar@baseball.com.au so we can celebrate your success.

23 September 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Baseball Australia Opens Expressions of Interest to Host National Tournaments in 2027

Baseball Australia is inviting expressions of interest from clubs, associations, and venues across the country to host its suite of national tournaments in the 2027 season.

Each year, Baseball Australia delivers ten tournaments across seven national events that bring together the best emerging and elite talent from across the country, while also showcasing the depth of the grassroots game.

While 2026 tournament dates and venues have been determined, members of the community are encouraged to consider hosting a tournament in 2027 and beyond.

The tournaments open for hosting include:
– Australian Youth Championships (U18 and U16)
– Australian Women’s Championships (Open and Youth)
– Senior League Championships
– Junior League Championships
– Intermediate League Championships
– Little League Championships
– Little League Girls and Little League Invitational

SUBMIT YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI): Fill out our EOI form today

These events provide opportunities for communities to not only host premier baseball competitions but also to benefit from the tourism, economic activity, and exposure that come with welcoming players, families, and fans from around Australia.

“National tournaments are the pinnacle of our domestic calendar,” Baseball Australia National Tournaments Manager Michael Ibbotson says. “They play a vital role in developing players, coaches, and officials, while also creating memorable experiences for families and communities. We’re excited to work with prospective hosts to continue growing the game.

Venues interested in submitting an expression of interest are encouraged to provide details about facilities, local support, and capacity to deliver a high-quality event experience.

Expressions of interest (EOI) can be submitted via this form.

EOIs are due by January 16, 2026.

22 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Aussies Sign Pro

Eleven Australians named to World Select Team for MLB College Showcase tour in October

Eleven Australian baseball players have been invited to play on the ‘MLB World Select Team’ at the upcoming Major League Baseball College Showcase Tour in Arizona.

The annual event welcomes amateur baseball players, all under age 20, from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Curaçao, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain to Arizona.

There are 30 players on the trip total.

19 September 2025 By Staff Writers

By Staff Writers

Community

Baseball Australia confirms national championship dates and locations for 2026

Baseball Australia (BA) is pleased to confirm the location and dates of the 2026 National Australian Baseball Championships.

Each year, BA runs ten national tournaments for varying age groups.

The Australian Youth Championships (U16 and U18) and the Australian Women’s Championships serve has Performance Pathways Events and are used in evaluation for national team selection, as well as for professional and college scouts.

The Little League, Junior League, Intermediate League, and Senior League Tournaments serve as part of the Little League International Pathway, with automatic entry into a World Series event in the USA designated to the winner.

There are a few changes from the 2025 calendar year.

The Australian Youth Championships (AYC) move from Sydney to three clubs in Melbourne. The Senior League titles move from Geelong to Sydney.

The remainder of the tournaments stay in the same place, as per their pre-existing agreements.

We thank all seven clubs and groups who put their hands up to host these events to help with the development of Australian baseball.

Further, an expression of interest is now available to host for 2027 National Championships. Clubs and state associations from across the country can apply can apply. For more information, click here.

BASEBALL AUSTRALIA EVENT CALENDAR

January 7-13 – Under 16 National Championships (AYC)
– Location: Melbourne (Essendon, Preston and Port Melbourne)

January 9-15 – Under 18 National Championships (ATC)
– Location: Melbourne (Essendon, Preston and Port Melbourne)

April 12-18 – Australian Women’s Championships
– Location: Melbourne (Altona)

April 14-18 – Australian Youth Women’s Championships (U16)
– Location: Melbourne (Altona)

May 13-17 – Senior League Championships
– Location: Blacktown

May 21-25 – Intermediate League Championships
– Location: Lismore

May 21-25 – Junior League Championships
– Location: Lismore

June 5-11– Little League Championships
– Location: Blacktown

July 7-11 – Little League Invitational
– Location: Redcliffe

July 7-11 – Little League Girls
– Location: Redcliffe

13 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Aussies Abroad

That's a wrap! How every Aussie pro baseball player fared overseas in 2025

story as of Sunday 14 September

There are 38 Australians playing professional baseball somewhere in the world.

For most, the season has come to a close.

It’s the last full season in the Southern Hemisphere before a World Baseball Classic.

Here’s how each Australian finished their year by level.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

UTIL Curtis Mead – Chicago White Sox

Curtis was dealt to the White Sox from the Tampa Bay Rays at the trade deadline.

He’s flourished with his new club. As of September 9, Curtis was hitting .262 in 31 games with the White Sox while playing multiple positions. This includes a 10-for-25 stretch during a six game win streak.

RHP Liam Hendriks – Boston Red Sox

The 3-time All-Star has been on 60-day Injured List (IL) retroactive to May 28 with a hip ailment.

Hendriks has a 6.59 ERA in 13.2 innings out of the bullpen this season. It doesn’t look like he’ll be back in the line-up in time for the Red Sox playoff run.

TRIPLE-A

Note: Triple-A regular season continues until September 21

INF – Travis Bazzana (Columbus Clippers)

After spending the season in Double-A (or the injured list), Travis was called up to Triple-A on August 11.

He’s really heated up in the back half of the year. Bazzana belted four home runs in four games earlier in September. The latest was a three-run shot in a 10-9 loss to Indianapolis on Sept. 7.

He’s hitting .245 with an OPS of .852 across two levels this season in 85 games.

However, Bazzana suffered an oblique injury on September 12 putting the remainder of his season in question.

RHP – Brandan Bidois (Indianapolis)

The story of the Australian professional baseball world. The rise of Bidois has been meteoric and impressive.

As of September 9, Bidois has reeled off no-hit innings since last allowing a hit on July 29th. He has an 0.84 ERA this year in 55.0 innings across four levels, with a .118 BAA, an 0.86 WHIP and 60 strikeouts.

Bidois has thrown 9.2 scoreless innings – and all without a hit – since his call-up to Triple-A.

He just may be Australian Major Leaguer #39.

Bidois even commanded a feature story on MLB.com.

RHP – Mitch Neunborn – Lehigh Valley Ironpigs (Philadelphia Phillies)

The 27-year-old has been bouncing between Double-A and Triple-A this season.

In Double-A: 5.12 ERA in 58.0 innings with 62 strikeouts and a .243 BAA.

In Triple-A: 7.54 ERA in 22.2 innings with 20 strikeouts. Although his numbers are skewed from one rough start.

LHP – Jack O’Loughlin – Free Agent (Colorado Rockies)

In July, Jack exercised an opt out clause in his minor league contract with the Rockies. The 25-year-old LHP made 17 appearances (10 starts) for Triple-A Albuquerque this season. He posted a 6.91 ERA in 41.0 innings this year.

DOUBLE-A

LHP – Blake Townsend – Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh Pirates)

Final Season Numbers: 90.0 IP, 1.70 ERA, 79 SO, 1.10 WHIP

What a season for Townsend, his first full campaign in the Pirates’ organisation.

Townsend had career numbers while climbing from High-A, all the way up to Triple-A, while playing most of the season in Double-A.

HIGH-A

RHP – Kai-Noa Wynyard – Hub City Spartanburgers (Texas Rangers)

Final Season Numbers (2 levels): 59.1 IP, 3.94 ERA, 52 SO, .231 BAA

Kai earned a call-up from Class-A this season. With Hub City, he has a 5.91 ERA in 10.2 innings across eight games. The 23-year-old will be in the mix for selection to the World Baseball Classic

SINGLE-A

RHP – Adam Bates – Salem Red Sox (Boston Red Sox)

Final Season Numbers: 5.04 ERA in 80.2 innings with 65 strikeouts and a .266 BAA

The 19-year-old keeps showing signs of improvement in his first season about Rookie Ball. He began the season as a starter but finished in the bullpen.

INF – Brent Iredale – Bradenton Marauders (Pittsburgh)

Final Season Numbers: 18 games played with .214 average, .405 on-base-percentage with two homers and nine RBI

After being drafted in July, Iredale shows some positive signs in his first professional games.

INF – Nikau Pouaka-Grego – Clearwater Threshers (Philadelphia Phillies)

Final Season Numbers (3 levels): .186 average / .320 OPB with 1 homer and 12 RBI

Nikau split time between Rookie Ball, High-A and Single-A. He played the most (32 games) in Single-A Clearwater.

It’s expected the 20-year-old infielder will stay in the USA for a program before heading back to play in the ABL.

INF – Max Durrington – Stockton Ports (Athletics)

Final Season Numbers (2 levels): 89 games, .238 average / .329 OPB …2 HR and 30 RBI

Australia’s youngest professional player, 18-year-old Durrington, earned a call-up above Rookie Ball on July 3. Since then, Durrington is hitting .225.

Max finished hot, going 5-for-16 in September.

INF – Clayton Campbell – Lakeland Flying Tigers (Tigers)

Final Season Numbers (2 levels): 52 games, .205 average / .324 OPB with 3 HR and 12 RBI

Campbell bounced between the Complex League and Single-A this season. He ended the season on a high with Lakeland, going 2-for-2 in his last game.

OF – Drew Davies – Daytona Tortugas (Cincinatti Reds)

Final Season Numbers (2 levels): 81 games, .246 average, .385 on-base-percentage with 4 homers and 41 RBI

A productive first season above Rookie Ball. Drew reached base a lot and showed some power. He hit .246 in August and finished the season with hits in seven of eight games.

ROOKIE BALL / DOMINICAN LEAGUES

RHP – Juan Manuel Ramirez – Dominican League (Blue Jays)

Final Season Numbers: 1.61 ERA in 22.1 IP with 21 SO

The Queenslander is showing some promising signs playing with prospects in the Dominican.

RHP – Alistair Tanner – Detroit Tigers Florida League

Final Season Numbers: 6.39 ERA in 39.2 innings with 31 strikeouts

His first professional season in the USA. A big off-season awaits.

INF – Jayden Kim – Dominican League (Pirates)

Final Season Numbers: 44 games, with a .175 average and .367 OBP with 19 RBI.

28 walks in 44 games shows signs of promise.

INF / P – BJay Cooke- Athletics Arizona League

The Western Australian has yet to appear this year but is reportedly working out to become a pitcher once again.

RHP – Robinson Smith – Dominican League (Pirates)

Smith completed his first year of professional baseball based at the Pittsburgh Pirates complex in the Dominican Republic. Smith’s development has been outstanding with a fastball hitting the mid 90’s with some excellent individual game performances. He’ll be attending instructional league in order to fast track his progression for the 2026 season.

LHP – Kailen Hamson (QLD / Baltimore Orioles)

The left-handed Queenslander was drafted by Baltimore in the 8th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. He just signed his contract and ended the season in the Complex. Read his signing story here.

RHP – Rubens Romero – Pirates – Injured, Missed season.

RHP – Jackson Grounds (Pirates)– 60-day injured list. Missed season.

RHP – Jack Bushell (Tigers) – 60-day injured list. Missed season.

Mitch Evans (SA / Tigers): The 17-year-old will finish Year 12 before reporting to the professional ranks next year. You can read his signing story here.

INTERNATIONAL & INDEPENDENT LEAGUES

JAPAN

INF – Jarryd Dale – Orix Buffaloes (NPB Minor Leagues)

Regular Season Numbers: 34 games, .308 average, .381 OBP with 1 homer and 12 RBI

24-year-old Dale impresses in his first season overseas and in a Japanese league.

RHP – Ky Jackson – Nippon Express (Industrial League)

Numbers are a little tricky to find (help!). But I do know that Jackson, the star of Australia’s Under 23 pitching staff, did not allow a run through his first 17.0 innings pitched.

Could he be drafted to the NPB?

KOREA

LHP – Lachlan Wells – Kiwoom Heroes

Final Regular Season Numbers: 20.0 IP, 3.15 ERA, 16 SO and 1.20 WHIP

28-year-old Wells started four games for the Heroes and may draw interest from KBO clubs when an extra Oceania import spot opens up in 2026.

RHP – Coen Wynne – LG Twins

Final Numbers: 7.04 ERA in 23.0 IP

Wynne has returned from his six week stint as an Injury Replacement Player with the Korean Big League club the LG Twins.

MEXICO

LHP – Lewis Thorpe – Saltillo

Final Numbers: 9.36 ERA in 25.0 IP

The 29-year-old former MLB pitcher was traded mid-season from the Chihuahuas to Saltillo.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

INF – Robbie Glendinning – KC Monarchs

Final Numbers: 87 games, .254 average with an .839 OPS. He hit 18 homers with 71 RBI.

Glendinning was named the 2025 American Association Utility Player of the Year.

LHP – Josh Hendrickson – KC Monarchs

Final Regular Season Numbers: 104.1 IP, 3.61 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 116 strikeouts

A true feel good story.

In his return to pro baseball after two years away, the 27-year-old was crazy consistent.

He’s become one of the most reliable arms in the league and has been named a pitcher of the week this season.

FRONTIER LEAGUE

RHP – James Boeree – Mississippi

Final Regular Season Numbers: 35.1 IP, 7.13 ERA

The 7’2 arm from Newcastle finished his college career and instantly signed with this Frontier League team. He started and relieved.

UTIL – Jarrod Belbin – Quebec Capitales

Final Regular Season Numbers: 91 games, .318 average with .920 OPS. 10 homers and 66 RBI.

Belbin was named the Capitales’ player of the month for June. A consistent All-Star worthy season.

INF – Will Riley – Quebec Capitales

Final Regular Season Numbers: 77 games, .265 average with a .374 OBP. 5 homers and 34 RBI.

Riley, one of three Aussies on the Capitales, is an All-Star. He was a starter for the Atlantic squad.

The Lismore-native has played seven different positions this season.

HP – Billy Parsons – Sussex Country Miners

Final Regular Season Numbers: 92.0 IP, 3.52 ERA, 77SO

Another Aussie, another All-Star.

Billy, in his third year in the Frontier League, is turning in his best year yet. He was named an All-Star. Parsons was both a starter and reliever.

RHP – Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis – Quebec Capitales

Final Regular Season Numbers: 5.68 ERA in 33.2 innings this year.

The Canberra native had all but one outing has come from the bullpen.

PIONEER LEAGUE

OF – Briley Knight – Billings Mustangs

Final Regular Season Numbers: 86 games, .273 average, .409 on-base percentage, 7 homers and 59 RBI

One of the ABL’s leading hitters is making a lot of contact in the USA.

QUEBEC LEAGUE

RHP – Ky Hampton – Brock Nutrite Lambert

Final Regular Season Numbers: 5-2 record with a save in 62.2 innings pitched, a 1.45 ERA, 75 strikeouts.

Playing in an Independent Quebec League.

BANANA BALL

INF – Liam Spence & Brett Allen

Liam Spence has been making trick plays and playing in front of 50,000+ people with the Firefighters in Bananaball.

You can read a great story on Liam Spence here.

“I legitimately played both games with goosebumps on me because it was so unreal for all two hours. The energy has been like that ever since,” says Spence.

Brett Allen has finished his career at university with Reinhardt and just signed a contract with the Savannah Bananas.

LIGUE CANADA-EAST (WOMEN’S)

UTIL – Leah Cornish – Rockies

Hitting .520 with seven doubles and 10 RBI in 11 games so far.

UTIL – Peyton Newman – Rockies

Hitting .333 with a .520 OBP in nine games. She has three RBI and three walks.

WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE

Allie Bebbere and Molly Paddison have been named to the draft list, schedule for October.

13 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Recap & Highlights | Australia score 12 unanswered runs to sink Italy and finish 8th at U18 World Cup

A furious late-game offensive onslaught erased any anxiety caused by a slow start in Australia’s 12-3 win over Italy in their last game of the 2025 U-18 World Cup.

Italy scored three unearned runs in the third inning to build an early 3-0 advantage.

But Australia turned it on, powering home with an eight-run fourth and three run fifth to put the game beyond doubt.

Australia finishes the tournament in eighth position and a 4-4 overall record.

It’s Australia’s best result at an U-18 World Cup since 2019, and two positions higher than their current world ranking of ten.

12 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Recap & Highlights | Nine-run second inning powers Australia to 13-2 win over South Africa at U18 World Cup

A nine-run second inning helped Australia dispatch South Africa 13-2 in the Placement Round at the Under-18 World Cup.

The big inning came at just the right time.

South Africa jumped the Aussies and led 2-0 after the first inning.

Australia responded by sending 13 batters to the plate in the second inning, tallying six hits, scoring nine times and taking advantage of four South African errors.

Josh Nati provided the getaway moment with a two-RBI double to right field to push the score to 6-2.

Seven different Australians recorded at least one base hit on Friday afternoon.

Tournament Hub: Follow Australia at the U18 World Cup

Lead-off man Will Hardy led the way.

The shortstop went 3-for-3 with two RBI, two runs, a hit-by-pitch and turned two double plays in the field.

Lachlan Vella and Devin Leahy also had a pair of hits.

Australia scored twice in both the third and fourth innings to push the game to run rule territory.

BOX SCORE: Stats and Plays vs South Africa

Deakin Filko pitched the first inning for Australia and gave up two runs. Ashton Kennedy pitched the next 3.0 frames, allowing just one hit, one walk and no runs.

Nate Quigg struck out the side to seal it.

The win moves Australia to 2-2 in the Placement Round. They play Italy (3-1) tomorrow at 11:30AM AEST.

A victory over the Italians by three or more runs guarantees an eighth place finish for Australia at the tournament.

CURRENT PLACEMENT ROUND STANDINGS

Head to WBSC Website for Up-To-Date Info and Super Round standings.

PLACEMENT ROUND STANDINGS

Australia is now in the Placement Round fighting for valuable world ranking points between 7-12.

Australia can finish as high as eighth in the tournament with a win over Italy by 3+ runs.

7. Cuba 4-0
8. Italy 3-1
9. Germany 2-2
10. Australia 2-2
11. China 1-3
12. South Africa 0-4

WATCH LIVE

All of Team Australia’s games will be broadcast live and free on Baseball+ (geoblocked), Australia’s baseball streaming service.

To watch any other game of the tournament, or to watch Australia outside of the country, head to Gametime.sport.

WHERE TO FOLLOW

Stories, photos, quotes and highlights will be posted on Team Australia Baseball social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and X. We post the Top Plays and a Mini-Match of each game on YouTube.

A game recap will follow on this page.

You can grab the most recent information and standings at our Tournament Hub: www.baseball.com.au/u18worldcup.

12 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

Women's Baseball

21 Australian women off to Japan to play against top club teams and national squad

21 Australian women are off to Japan to play with and against some of the best baseball players in the world, including two exhibition games vs the World #1 Japanese National Team.

The team is called the ‘Down Under Diamonds’ – it’s an off shoot of the Diamonds in the Rough Program.

The Down Under Diamonds will be in Togichi City, one of a number of “Women’s Baseball Cities” in Japan, from September 18-29. They’ll play against top Japanese women’s club and finish with games against Team Japan.

The player list is below. Honestly, this roster is stacked!

The team is made up of Emeralds and Australian Women’s Championship stars.

The coaching staff scrubs up alright too.

The Diamonds will be coached by the longest serving Emerald Shae Lillywhite, multiple-time Emerald Laura Neads and the head coach of the Japanese women’s national team Risa Nakashima.

The program was coordinated by supported by Togichi City, the Japanese Women’s Baseball Federation and Diamonds in the Rough. Narelle Gosstray, the founder of Diamonds in the Rough, organised the tour from Australia with Nakashima running point in Japan on behalf of the Japanese Federation.

You can also check out the schedule at the bottom of this article.

Best of luck to all!

PLAYER LIST

– Abbey Kelly (VIC)
– Abbey McLellan (VIC)
– Ashley Van Staden (QLD)
– Bianca Ramsey (SA)
– Caitlin Eynon (WA)
– Carly Moore (SA)
– Cayla Johnston (NSW)
– Chloe Atkinson (WA)
– Claire O’Sullivan (NSW)
– Elodie O’Sullivan (WA)
– Gemma Letton (SA)
– Georgia Davis (SA)
– Isobel Lambert (NSW)
– Jasmine Bentley (VIC)
– Lisa Nakashio (NSW)
– Maddison Erwin (NSW)
– Meaghan Haggart (WA)
– Molly Paddison (QLD)
– Paula Doherty (VIC)
– Ruby Dale (VIC)
– Sarah McMahon (SA)

Coaches

Shae Lillywhite
Laura Neads
Risa Nakashima

SCHEDULE

September 19 – Training with Zenko Beams, the Japanese Women’s Club Champions

September 20 – Game vs Lions, one of the best teams in Japan

September 21 – Game #2 vs Lions

September 22 – Training with Agekke

September 23 – Game vs Zenko Beams

September 24 – Training Day / High School Visit

September 26 – Visit Shrine & High School Visit

September 27 – Game vs Team Japan

September 28 – Game vs Team Japan

11 September 2025 By Eric Balnar

By Eric Balnar

- Team Australia

Recap & Highlights | Cuba spoil phenomenal Australian pitching performance with extra inning walk-off

A one run loss to Cuba at a World Cup. It’s a sentence that’s become all too familiar for Australian baseball players.

File this under the category of “heartbreaker.”

Cuba sealed victory on a passed ball in a second extra inning to walk Australia off in the first game of the Placement Round at the 2025 U-18 World Cup. Final score: 2-1.

Australia were millimetres away from scoring the potential winning runs.

Twice.

But, a pair of phenomenal two-out, extra-inning defensive plays from Cuban infielders foiled Australia, kept runs off the board, and propelled the Latin Americans to victory.

The first: Eighth inning, two outs, runners on second and third. Matt Trainor appeared to have a sure base hit dumped into shallow right field but second baseman Leandro Perez had other ideas. He went full super man to rob a base hit.

The second: Ninth inning, two outs, runners on second and third. William Hardy laced a ground ball that looked to find a gap near shortstop. Infielder Jonathan Moreno laid out to trap the ball. He bounced up, and fired across to first to end the inning.

In hindsight, Hardy appeared to have beat out the throw and was safe at first. A run would have scored, but Australia had already used their challenge and the ruling on the field stood.

Credit to Cuba.

BOX SCORE: Stats and Plays vs Cuba

To add a little salt to the wound, Australia had their opportunities.

In total, they left ten runners on base.

Australia had bases loaded and nobody out in both the first and sixth inning. Just one run was scored – a sixth inning sacrifice from James McFarlane.

Australia thought they had a 2-0 lead at one point. In fact, the scoreboard flashed that very line when Josh Nati appeared to have hit a two-run homer.

It was over turned. Ground rule double.

Full credit to Australian pitching. They were plucky. They were clutch. They gave the Green and Gold every chance to win.

Let’s start with Damien Wilson, who turned in his second outstanding start of the tournament.

Wilson chucked 5.0 innings with 4 hits, 1 earned run, six strikeouts and no walks. It came just five days after an eerily similar stat line vs Panama.

Tournament Hub: Follow Australia at the U18 World Cup

Kristian Haeusler stepped up in trying circumstances.

Haeusler entered the game with bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth and nobody out. He delivered a sacrifice fly, infield fly and ground out allowed Australia to escape allowing just the one run.

Haeusler worked the first two outs in the seventh before Australia’s fourth pitcher of the game, Matt Trainor, managed to induce a fly ball to force extras.

In the bottom of the first extra inning, Trainor navigated runners on first and second with nobody out. He retired the Cubans with a sacrifice bunt and two shallow fly balls.

Other bright spots include Eita Samukawa, who led Australia with a 2-for-3, 1 BB stat line.

Australia drops to 1-2 in the Super Round with games to come against South Africa and Italy. Cuba improves to 3-0.