Australia is through to the Super Round of the U23 Baseball World Cup in Nicaragua.

They’ve done it in emphatic fashion.

The Aussies finished first place in Pool A with a 4-1 record, recording victories over Chinese Taipei, Panama, Puerto Rico and Nicaragua.

That’s an impressive collection of victories, including three nations ranked higher than Australia in the WBSC World Rankings.

Australia outscored its opponents 32-13 across five games, with contributions coming from all over the diamond.

Their .306 team batting average ranks second in the tournament, while their pitching staff owns the second-best ERA (2.06), trailing only a dominant Venezuelan outfit that has outscored opponents 44-1.

Defensively, Australia has been even more impressive.

Their .993 fielding percentage is the best in the tournament, with just one error committed across five games.

Best of all? Everyone is contributing. Every player in the lineup has reached base, and it feels like each game brings a new hero stepping up.

FULL STATS: Australia at the U23 World Cup 

Among that collection of heroes, there’s been one constant. His name is John Lemm.

The St. Louis Cardinals prospect has grabbed headlines around the baseball world, slugging his way to the tournament lead in hits (10), batting average (.556) and triples (2).

He also has two home runs, six RBI and ranks second in OPS.

Connected, Committed and Courageous

Before the tournament, Team Australia manager Shayne Watson challenged his players to live by three guiding principles: Connected, Committed and Courageous. You can read about the story and method behind the message here. 

It’s clear those words are more than just a slogan.

There’s a certain energy in the dugout, the way players support one another, the willingness to take the game on and the resilience when things aren’t going their way.

Perhaps the best example came after Australia’s only loss of the tournament, a challenging defeat to Czechia in which the pitching staff issued 11 walks.

Watson wasn’t interested in letting the result define his team.

He told us that after the game, he simply reminded the group of those three C’s.

“We wanted to reinforce that our identity isn’t based on results alone. It’s based on how we respond, support each other, and continue to compete. I thought the group carried that mindset into today’s game and produced a really strong team performance,” said Watson after the following day’s win over Chinese Taipei.

“Even in [the Czechia] loss, there were plenty of examples of those behaviours, and it was important that our players recognised them.”

Australia responded with consecutive wins over World No. 2 Chinese Taipei and World No. 9 Panama, outscoring them 14-3.

Now, they’ll look to carry that momentum into the Super Round.

“Advancing to the Super Round with a 2-0 record is a credit to the work our team has put in,” said Watson. “We’ll enjoy this result, reset, and get ready for the challenges ahead. The priority is to recover and get ready for games in two days time.”

What’s next? The Super Round

The top three teams from Pool A join the top three teams from Pool B in the Super Round.

It’s effectively another round robin, but results against teams that advanced from the same pool carry over.

That puts Australia in an excellent position.

The Aussies enter with a 2-0 record, tied with Venezuela at the top of the standings.

They’ll face Venezuela (2-0), Japan (1-1) and Korea (0-2) over the next three days. Their previous results against fellow Pool A teams – Puerto Rico (1-1) and Chinese Taipei (0-2) – carry over.

The top two teams in the final standings advance to the gold medal game, while third and fourth will play for bronze.

The schedule is as follows:

– Friday 13 November, 7:30AM AEDT vs Venezuela (2-0)
– Saturday 14 November, 11:30AM AEDT vs Korea (0-2)
– Sunday 15 November, 11:30AM AEDT vs Japan (1-1)

Every game is available to watch in Australia on Baseball+ and on Gametime.Sport internationally.

GAME RECAPS: How Australia reached the Super Round

Game 1: Australia 3 defeated Nicaragua 0

Australia opened the tournament with a dominant pitching performance from Lachlan Brook and Will Page-Allen.

The duo combined for a one-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory over the tournament hosts. Brook threw 52 pitches across 4.0 innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two.

Page-Allen was perfect in relief, retiring all nine batters he faced across 3.0 innings, including two strikeouts.

Together, they retired the final 16 Nicaraguan batters.

Offensively, Quinn Johnson drove in two runs while John Lemm led the game with two hits.

Manager Shayne Watson praised the team’s commitment to its three guiding principles.

“What pleased me most was the way the group stayed connected throughout the game. The players consistently supported one another, remained committed to the team’s purpose, and showed real courage in key moments. Those qualities were important contributors to tonight’s result.”

FULL RECAP

Game 2: Australia 9 defeated Puerto Rico 1

Another terrific pitching display, this time accompanied by some red-hot bats.

Josh Nati launched two home runs, including a towering 425-foot moonshot.

John Lemm backed up his impressive opening game by going 3-for-4 with a homer, a double and two RBI.

On the mound, Tyson Noel tossed 3.0 innings, allowing one hit, one walk and one run. Charlie Pierson followed with 4.0 innings of relief, conceding just one hit.

Australia improved to 2-0.

“Offensively, our at-bats reflected the team-first approach we’ve been talking about all tournament. Our players competed for every pitch, took the free bases when they were available, and then capitalised on opportunities with timely hits,” said Watson.

FULL RECAP

Game 3: Czechia 9 defeated Australia 6

Australia paid dearly for free bases, and an opportunistic Czechia took full advantage.

Of Czechia’s nine runs, only one was driven in by a hit. Three scored on bases-loaded walks, three on wild pitches, one on a sacrifice fly and another on an error.

In total, Australian pitchers issued 11 walks.

The Aussies trailed 6-2 and 9-3 but fought back on both occasions, eventually bringing the tying run to the plate with two outs in the final inning.

Australia outhit Czechia 9-6.

Darcy Barry led the Aussies with two hits, John Lemm extended his hitting streak to three games, and Cal Fingleson recorded an RBI for the third consecutive game.

“The good thing about tournament baseball is that you don’t have to wait long for your next opportunity. Credit to Czechia, they played a strong game and capitalised on their opportunities,” said Watson.

“We felt well prepared and got off to a good start scoring two in the first inning. However, we gave them too many opportunities early in the game. We fought hard to stay in the game and gave ourselves opportunities late, but Czechia were able to execute when it mattered and did enough to maintain their lead.

“We’ll learn from today’s performance, reset and connect quickly, and turn our full attention to Chinese Taipei tomorrow.”

FULL RECAP

Game 4: Australia 4 defeated Chinese Taipei 0

A true team performance. And one heck of a bounce-back.

After the disappointment against Czechia, Australia responded by shutting out World No. 2 Chinese Taipei.

The Aussies outhit their opponents 11-4, while Lachlan Rosser, Will Page-Allen and Lachlan Brook combined for the shutout.

Max Stagg delivered a four-hit performance, while John Lemm continued his torrid start with a 2-for-4 effort that included a triple.

Australia improved to 3-1 and moved within touching distance of a Super Round berth.

“This was a true team performance. It’s difficult to single out individuals because every player who put on the Australian jersey today contributed in a meaningful way to the result,” said Watson.

“Before today’s game, we spent time reflecting on our three ‘Big C’s’ – Connected, Committed and Courageous. Even in yesterday’s loss, there were examples of those behaviours, and it was important that our players recognised them. We wanted to reinforce that our identity isn’t based on results alone. It’s how we respond, support each other and continue to compete.”

FULL RECAP

Game 5: Australia 10 defeated Panama 3

Perhaps Australia’s most complete performance of the tournament.

With a Super Round berth and top spot in Pool A on the line, the Aussies delivered in every facet of the game.

With the bats: Eight hits, three home runs, eight walks and three hit-by-pitches. Every player in the starting lineup reached base, with seven reaching safely at least twice.

John Lemm launched a 450-foot two-run homer in the first inning, while Callum Donnelly and Josh Nati also went deep.

On the mound: Charlie Pierson, Juan Ramirez and Josh Beazley combined to issue just one walk across seven innings. Ramirez, making his national team debut, touched 97 mph on the radar gun and tossed two scoreless, hitless innings.

In the field: Australia turned two double plays and produced several highlight-reel moments, including a leaping catch from Donnelly and outstanding defensive work from Nikau Pouaka-Grego at third base.

The result secured top spot in Pool A and ensured Australia would carry a 2-0 record into the Super Round.

“One area that has been a real strength for us throughout the tournament has been our defence. We’ve handled the ball consistently, communicated well, and trusted one another in key moments. The way the players communicate and support each other on the field is a great reflection of our connection as a team, and they’ve taken real ownership of that part of their game,” said Watson.

FULL RECAP

Australia shuts out Chinese Taipei 4-0, moves to top of Pool A at U23 World Cup

recap by Eric Balnar

Australia is in the driver’s seat of Pool A after a commanding 4-0 victory over Chinese Taipei at the WBSC U23 World Cup in Nicaragua.

The Green & Gold impressed with both bat and ball in their third victory of the tournament, and puts them dangerously close to the Super Round.

Led by a four-hit performance from Max Stagg, Australia outhit world No. 2 Chinese Taipei 11-4.

On the mound, Lachlan Rosser, Will Page-Allen and Lachlan Brook combined for the shutout, allowing just four hits and six walks while striking out seven.

The game was scoreless through three innings as Australia struggled to solve Chinese Taipei starting pitcher and Tokyo Giants prospect Chin-Hao Huang.

BOX SCORE: Stats vs Chinese Taipei

Fortunately for the Aussies, starter Lachlan Rosser was equally impressive. He tossed three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out one.

Australia finally broke through in the fourth.

Stagg led off with a single before Quinn Johnson reached on an error. Josh Nati brought home the game’s opening run on a fielder’s choice before Darcy Barry delivered an RBI single to double the advantage.

Australia added two more runs in the fifth.

Nikau Pouaka-Grego doubled, John Lemm collected his second hit of the afternoon with an RBI triple, and Stagg followed with another single to help extend the lead to 4-0.

From there, Australia’s bullpen took care of business.

Page-Allen and Brook each delivered two scoreless innings of relief to complete the shutout.

Stagg finished with four hits, while Lemm continued his outstanding tournament with a 2-for-4 performance, including a triple and an RBI, extending his lead as the tournament’s hit leader.

Solomon Maguire, Pouaka-Grego, Johnson, Barry and Callum Donnelly also contributed hits.

TOURNAMENT HUB: Australia at the U23 World Cup

The victory carries major implications for Australia’s Super Round hopes.

Australia moves to 3-1 and sits atop Pool A, with head-to-head victories already secured over Nicaragua (2-1), Puerto Rico (1-2) and Chinese Taipei (2-2).

The top three teams from each pool advance to the Super Round, where they will fight for a medal.

Australia could clinch a Super Round berth before taking the field again if Puerto Rico defeats Czechia and Nicaragua beats Panama later today***.

Both results would guarantee Australia a top-three finish, regardless of Wednesday’s result against Panama. Australia can also advance directly with a win in their final game vs Panama on Wednesday at 11:00AM AEDT in their final Pool Play match.

If that combination doesn’t eventuate, Australia’s qualification position will depend on the remaining results and potential tiebreakers.

Australia’s next game will be available live on Baseball (Australia only) and Gametime.sport (International)

GAME NOTES

Coach Quotes: Team Manager Shayne Watson on today’s win…

“That was a great response from the group today. We knew coming into the game that both teams understood the significance of the contest at this stage of the World Cup, and the players embraced that challenge.

This was a true team performance.

It’s difficult to single out individuals because every player who put on the Australian jersey today contributed in a meaningful way to the result.

Lachlan Rosser and Will Page-Allen combined well on the mound and made quality pitches when they mattered most. I was particularly pleased with their commitment to executing a clear plan throughout their outings.

Lachlan Brook also delivered another strong performance and displayed the Courage we have been messaging all campaign. His body was feeling good after his big outing against Nicaragua and he gave us everything he had to finish off the game.

Offensively, our approach was disciplined and team-centred. We continued to find ways to create pressure, and when opportunities presented themselves, our hitters delivered some important at-bats with runners on base to help extend the lead.

Most pleasing was the way the group stayed connected and committed throughout a tight game. We played with composure, trusted each other, and continued to execute when the game was on the line.

We’ll enjoy the result, but our focus now shifts quickly to Panama as we prepare for another important challenge tomorrow.”

Starting Line-Up: Australia returned to the exact starting line-up that helped deliver victories on Day 1 and Day 2.

The Three C’s: Shayne Watson wanted to make sure the players weren’t too down after yesterday’s loss to Czechia. Here’s what he said:

Before today’s game, we spent time reflecting on our three big “C’s”- Connected, Committed, and Courageous.

Even in yesterday’s loss, there were plenty of examples of those behaviours, and it was important that our players recognised them.

We wanted to reinforce that our identity isn’t based on results alone. It’s based on how we respond, support each other, and continue to compete. I thought the group carried that mindset into today’s game and produced a really strong team performance.

Everybody Reaches:  Every player in Australia’s batting line-up reached base, whether by hit, walk, hit-by-pitch or error.

Left Them Loaded: Australia won by four runs, but the margin could have been greater. The Green & Gold loaded the bases in the first inning but couldn’t capitalise. They also stranded two runners in the fourth. In total, Australia left eight runners on base. Still, there were plenty of encouraging signs, with Australia consistently creating scoring opportunities and putting pressure on Chinese Taipei.

Keeping Composed: On the flip side, Chinese Taipei pressured in every inning. They had a baserunner in six of seven frames, and generated seven walks. Australia never flinched.

John Lemm (Again and Again and Again): With two outs and nobody on in the first inning, John Lemm singled to extend his hitting streak to four games. He later added an RBI triple. Lemm now leads the tournament with eight hits, batting .571 with an OPS above 1.600. He’s recorded a hit in every game of the tournament.

Rockin’ Rosser: That must have felt great. The New South Welshman committed to the University of Nebraska in 2025 after a stellar debut season in JUCO but was unable to attend due to personal and family circumstances. He’s since been dominating in the NSW State League, including a remarkable 20-strikeout performance for Macarthur a couple weeks ago. Rosser is no stranger to the Green & Gold, having represented Australia at the 2023 U18 World Cup.

Brook and Page-Allen Star Again: Remember these two? On Day 1 against Nicaragua, Lachlan Brook tossed three scoreless innings before Will Page-Allen delivered four shutout innings in relief. The pair were called upon again in another crucial game against Chinese Taipei, combining for four more scoreless innings. Through four games, Brook and Page-Allen have combined for 11.0 innings without allowing an earned run, maintaining a sterling 0.00 ERA.

Super Round Scenario: Australia is one step closer to the Super Round after improving to 3-1, with head-to-head victories over Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and Chinese Taipei. The top three teams from Pool A advance to the Super Round, and Australia could secure its place before Wednesday’s final opening-round game against Panama.

For that to happen, Australia needs two results to fall its way later today: Puerto Rico must defeat Czechia, and Nicaragua must beat Panama.

That combination would guarantee Australia a top-three finish regardless of its result against Panama.

If those results don’t eventuate, Australia will head into its final game with qualification still to be determined. A victory over Panama would guarantee a Super Round berth, while a loss could leave Australia relying on other results and tiebreakers.

**Note: this is the writer’s interpretation of the Super Round Scenarios and not an official ruling by the WBSC

GROUP STAGE STANDINGS

End of Day 4
*denotes clinched Super Round

Pool A

Australia 3-1
Nicaragua 2-2
Chinese Taipei 2-2
Puerto Rico 2-2
Panama 2-2
Czechia 1-3

Pool B

Venezuela 4-0*
Japan 4-0*
Korea 2-2*
Great Britain 1-3
Cuba 1-3
South Africa 0-4

The top three teams in each group advance to the Super Round to compete for a medal. The bottom three will play in the Placement Round.

Full Tournament Info: WBSC Website 

Australia paid dearly for walks, errors and costly mistakes as Czechia claimed a 9-6 victory, handing Australia their first loss at the WBSC U23 Baseball World Cup.

Australia falls to 2-1 while Czechia improves to 1-2, with two days of pool play remaining.

The story of the game was Australia’s inability to limit free bases.

Of Czechia’s nine runs, only one was driven in by a hit. Three came on bases-loaded walks, three on wild pitches, one on a sacrifice fly and another on an error.

In total, Australian pitchers issued 11 walks.

BOX SCORE: Australia fall to Czechia

Things seemed promising for Australia early on. John Lemm and Cal Fingleson each delivered RBI singles in the first inning to give the Aussies an early 2-0 lead.

But Czech pitching settled in from there, while a patient Czech lineup capitalised on Australia’s struggles to find the strike zone.

Czechia scored once in the first, three times in the second, once in the third, once in the fourth and three more in the fifth to build a commanding lead.

Australia threatened to turn the game around in the fifth.

Trailing 6-2, Callum Donnelly drove in a run before Australia loaded the bases with just one out. However, Matyas Novotny induced an inning-ending double play to escape the jam.

Czechia promptly responded with three runs of their own to extend the lead to 9-3.

Deakin Filko, Ben Karakasis, Jesse Neretlis and Josh Beazley all took the mound for Australia. Beazley delivered Australia’s only scoreless inning, facing the minimum three batters with the help of a 6-4-3 double play.

Australia refused to go quietly, scoring the final runs of the game and bringing the tying run to the plate with two outs in the seventh.

However, Tadeas Zavadil shut the door to secure Czechia’s first victory of the tournament.

Australia outhit Czechia 9-6. Eight different Australians recorded a hit, led by Darcy Barry with two.

Despite the loss, Australia remains in a strong position to advance to the Super Round.

Australia sits at 2-1 with two pool games remaining. The top three teams in Pool A will advance.

Both remaining opponents currently sit with 1-1 records. The standings are below.

Australia faces Chinese Taipei on Tuesday at 3:30AM AEDT before wrapping up pool play against Panama on Wednesday at 11:00AM AEDT.

Both games can be watched live and free in Australia on Baseball+ and on Gametime.Sport around the world.

GAME NOTES

Coach Quotes: Here’s what Manager Shayne Watson had to say after the game…

“Credit to Czechia, they played a strong game and capitalised on their opportunities.

We felt well prepared and got off to a good start scoring two in the first inning. However, we gave them too many opportunities early in the game.

We fought hard to stay in the game and gave ourselves opportunities late, but Czechia were able to execute when it mattered and did enough to maintain their lead.

The good thing about tournament baseball is that you don’t have to wait long for your next opportunity.

We’ll learn from today’s performance, reset and connect quickly, and turn our full attention to Chinese Taipei tomorrow.”

A slight lineup shuffle: Australia made a few adjustments to its starting lineup. Josh Nati moved from designated hitter to catcher, swapping roles with John Lemm, while Callum Donnelly moved into the leadoff spot.

Consistent Cal: Cal Fingleson delivered an RBI single in the first inning, marking his third consecutive game with an RBI. The 20-year-old plays his college baseball at Tyler Junior College in Texas.

Filko makes the leap: At just 18 years old, Deakin Filko is one of the youngest players in the tournament. The South Australian represented the Green & Gold at the 2025 U18 World Cup and has made the jump to the U23 national team just one year later. Filko made his Australian Baseball League debut with the Adelaide Giants in 2026 and is signed to return for the upcoming season.

Neretlis the converted pitcher: Jesse Neretlis entered the game in the fourth inning for Australia. Originally committed to college as a catcher, Neretlis has since transitioned to the mound, representing Australia as a pitcher at the U23 World Cup.

Lemm leads the way: With another hit today, John Lemm has taken sole possession of the tournament hit lead through two and a half days (6).

GROUP STAGE STANDINGS

As of 6:30AM AEDT

Pool A

Australia 2-1
Chinese Taipei 1-1
Puerto Rico 1-1
Panama 1-1
Nicaragua 1-1
Czechia 1-2

Pool B

Venezuela 2-0
Japan 2-0
Korea 1-1
Cuba 1-1
Great Britain 0-1
South Africa 0-1

The top three teams in each group advance to the Super Round to compete for a medal. The bottom three will play in the Placement Round.

Full Tournament Info: WBSC Website 

Josh Nati homered twice as Australia powered to an authoritative 9-1 victory over Puerto Rico at the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup in Nicaragua.

The win moves Australia to 2-0 in Pool A and puts them in the driver’s seat to advance to the Super Round.

It was an Australian hitting party, led by 19-year-old Nati and newly signed St. Louis Cardinals prospect John Lemm.

Nati launched a go-ahead solo home run in the second inning to give Australia a 2-1 lead. He struck again in the third, crushing a 425-foot homer to extend Australia’s advantage to 6-1.

JOSH NATI WITH HIS SECOND HOMER OF THE DAY AND THIS ONE IS LOOOOOOOOOOOOONG GONE 💣

The 19-year-old is grooving today!

AUS 6 – PR 1 | BOTTOM 3 ⚾️

📺 https://t.co/PnZW4PVkt2 (International) | Baseball+ (Aus Only)

#BaseballWorldCupU23 https://t.co/Q7SJWu4xeu

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) November 7, 2026

Solomon Maguire and Nikau Pouaka-Grego followed Nati’s blast with back-to-back RBI doubles, capping a six-run third inning that put Australia firmly in control at 8-1.

Lemm finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. He tied the game at one with an RBI single in the first inning before launching a solo shot in the sixth to extend Australia’s lead to 9-1.

Lemm now has five hits through Australia’s opening two games.

Every run of our 9-1 win over Puerto Rico at the U23 World Cup 💥

📺 @WBSC https://t.co/4ylNrDt3qD

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) November 7, 2026

Cal Fingleson also chipped in with two hits, including an RBI double in the third.

Overall, Australia outhit Puerto Rico 10-2, combining for three home runs, three doubles, five walks and a stolen base. Two Australian batters also reached base after being hit by pitches.

BOX SCORE: Australia 9 – Puerto Rico 1 

While Australia’s bats stole the show, the pitching staff continued its tremendous start to the tournament.

A day after Lachlan Brook and Will Page-Allen combined to one-hit Nicaragua in a 3-0 victory, Tyson Noel and Charlie Pierson (below) were nearly as impressive.

Noel surrendered a first-inning solo home run to 19-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Gustavo Melendez but quickly settled.

HUB: News and Schedule from the U23 World Cup

He allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out one batter across 3.0 innings of work.

Pierson took over and shut the door, tossing 4.0 scoreless innings of relief while allowing just one hit.

Through two games, Australia’s pitching staff has conceded just three hits and one run across 14 innings.

Australia improves to 2-0, while Puerto Rico drops to 1-1.

Up next? Australia faces Czechia (0-2) in its next Pool A game at **3:30 AM AEDT on Monday morning (10:30 AM Sunday local time). The game will be available to watch for free on Baseball+ (Australia only) or internationally on Gametime.Sport.

GAME NOTES

Coach Quotes: Here’s what manager Shayne Watson had to say after the game:

“Another strong performance by the group against a quality Puerto Rico team. We knew they would challenge us from the first pitch, so it was important that we were ready to match their intensity early and stay focused throughout the game.

Tyson Noel gave us another quality start. He settled in quickly, mixed his pitches effectively, and did an excellent job controlling the running game, which allowed us to dictate the tempo early.

Charlie Pierson followed him extremely well. We had confidence in his ability to change speeds and keep hitters off balance, particularly after our six-run third inning when protecting momentum became important.

Offensively, our at-bats reflected the team-first approach we’ve been talking about all tournament. Our players competed for every pitch, took the free bases when they were available, and then capitalised on opportunities with timely hits.

Nati had an outstanding game at the plate and continues to grow in confidence with every at-bat. He’s in a position in the lineup where he can have a real impact on the game, and today he made the most of those opportunities.”

Starting Line Up: Here’s how Australia lined-up. No changes from yesterday.

Another Nati Team Australia masterclass: Josh Nati is just 19-years-old but already has a storied history in the Green & Gold. In 2023, he represented Australia at the U-18 World Cup as a 16-year-old. Two years later, he was named to the All-World Team at the 2025 U-18 World Cup. Just two months after that, he hit for the cycle at the U-23 Oceania Championships. Today, he added another chapter, launching two home runs, including a towering 425-foot moonshot. The New South Wales product now attends Oregon State University, the same school as fellow Australian Travis Bazzana.

Stay hot, John Lemm: Two hits yesterday, three more today. St. Louis Cardinals prospect John Lemm went 3-for-4 with a home run, finishing just a triple shy of the cycle. He leads all Australian batters with five hits through two games.

Home Run John Lemm 💣

He’s now a triple shy of the cycle!

AUS 9 – PR 1 | Bottom 6

📺 https://t.co/PnZW4PVkt2 / Baseball+ (Australia only)

#BaseballWorldCupU23 https://t.co/F7Lk0IAQoQ

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) November 7, 2026

Tyson Noel and Charlie Pierson: Australia’s starting pitcher Tyson Noel surrendered a solo home run in the first inning but settled beautifully from there. Noel allowed just one hit and one walk across 3.0 innings, helping keep Puerto Rico’s bats quiet. Charlie Pierson must be feeling terrific. The right-hander, who attends Division II Eastern New Mexico University, made his national team debut with four shutout innings in relief.

Pitching precision: Australia’s pitching staff has combined to allow just three hits and one run across the first 14.0 innings of the tournament. That’s some outstanding work from Lachlan Brook, Will Page-Allen, Tyson Noel and Charlie Pierson.

Fingleson carries on the family legacy: Cal Fingleson is writing his own chapter in Australian baseball history. The 20-year-old is the son of Gavin Fingleson, a silver medallist with Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Cal went 2-for-3 with an RBI against Puerto Rico, continuing the family’s proud tradition in the Green & Gold.

Welcome back, Nikau: Third baseman Nikau Pouaka-Grego made his presence felt back in Australian colours, delivering an RBI double in the third inning. Pouaka-Grego previously represented Australia at the U-15 World Cup before playing for New Zealand at the 2022 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers. Having grown up in Australia, he declared his intention to return to the national program and has already made an impact. He also contributed six defensive plays in the field today.

Up next: Australia faces Czechia (0-2) at 3:30 AM AEDT on Monday (10:30 AM Sunday local time in Managua). Czechia pushed Chinese Taipei in a competitive 5-2 opening-game loss before suffering a heavy defeat to Panama (1-1) in its second outing.

STANDINGS

As of 11:30AM AEDT, Sunday 8 November

Pool A

Australia 2-0
Chinese Taipei 1-0
Puerto Rico 1-1
Panama 1-1
Nicaragua 0-1
Czechia 0-2

Pool B

Venezuela 1-0
Korea 1-0
Japan 1-0
Cuba 1-1
Great Britain 0-1
South Africa 0-2

The top three teams in each group advance to the Super Round to compete for a medal. The bottom three will play in the Placement Round.

A dominant pitching performance has guided Australia to a 3-0 victory over tournament hosts Nicaragua to open the 2026 WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup.

Starting pitcher Lachlan Brook and reliever Will Page-Allen silenced the home crowd, combining to allow just one hit across seven shutout innings.

The Australian duo retired the final 16 batters they faced, including nine straight from Page-Allen, who pitched three perfect innings to close out the victory.

Brook was outstanding in his four innings of work, throwing just 52 pitches while allowing one hit and two walks, striking out two.

Page-Allen was equally impressive, retiring all nine batters he faced and recording two strikeouts.

Australia wasted no time seizing an early lead. Quinn Johnson and Cal Fingleson each drove in a run in the first, putting the Aussies up 2-0.

Johnson extended Australia’s advantage in the third inning, collecting his second RBI of the day with a seeing-eye ground ball into right field.

Quinn Johnson!

His second RBI of the game expands the lead.

AUS 3 – NIC 0 | END 4 #BaseballWorldCupU23

@WBSC

📺 Baseball+ in Australia, around the world on https://t.co/YmMyRQu4V3 https://t.co/Ue2l9w8XLZ

— Team Australia ⚾️ (@TeamAusBaseball) November 7, 2026

Nicaragua’s pitching settled after the early damage, limiting Australia to just three hits for the game. John Lemm accounted for two.

Max Stagg led all batters with a pair of walks.

BOX SCORE: Australia vs Nicaragua 

Australia will look to build on the victory when they face Puerto Rico (1-0) at 12:00PM local time on Saturday (5:00AM AEDT).

The game can be watched live on Baseball+ within Australia and Gametime.sport internationally.

TOURNAMENT HUB: All the info for Australia from the U23 World Cup 

For more highlights, follow Team Australia Baseball on X

GAME NOTES

Coach Quotes: Here’s what manager Shayne Watson had to say after the game…

“Facing Nicaragua is always a challenge. They play with tremendous passion and the support of a home crowd fresh from the Opening Ceremony created a fantastic atmosphere and a great environment for international baseball.

Lachlan Brook settled into the game well and delivered exactly what the team needed from him. The composure he showed, particularly through the early innings, reflected a high level of maturity and allowed us to establish momentum.

Will Page-Allen followed that up exceptionally well. He attacked the strike zone, showed confidence in all of his pitches, and maintained control of the game while protecting the lead.

What pleased me most was the way the group stayed connected throughout the game.

The players consistently supported one another, remained committed to the team’s purpose, and showed real courage in key moments. Those qualities were important contributors to tonight’s result.”

Starting Line Up: This is how Australia lined up:

Setting the Tone: Australia made an immediate impact in the opening inning. After Lachlan Brook worked around a walk in a scoreless top of the first, the Australian offence went to work. John Lemm doubled, while Solomon Maguire, Max Stagg and Quinn Johnson all drew walks. Cal Fingleson brought home another run on a fielder’s choice. Five Australians reached base in the inning, forcing Nicaragua starter and former Milwaukee Brewers farmhand Melvin Hernandez to throw 40 pitches.

Key Outs in Key Moments: Nicaragua threatened in the second inning, loading the bases with two outs before Brook induced a ground ball to escape the jam. Callum Donnelly also provided a defensive highlight with a leaping catch at the wall to open the inning.

Here’s Johnny!: John Lemm enjoyed a terrific U-23 national team debut. Not only did he catch a combined one-hitter, but he also led Australia with two hits, accounting for half of all hits recorded by both teams in the game. Lemm recently graduated from the University of Alabama and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. He’ll play for Brisbane in the 2026-27 ABL season.

Pitching Settles the Ship: After navigating some early traffic, Brook found his rhythm. He retired the side in order in both the third and fourth innings, finishing his outing by setting down seven consecutive hitters. Page-Allen picked up right where he left off, retiring the side in order in the fifth to extend the streak to 10. By the final out, Australia had retired 16 straight batters.

Free Bases: Australia walked just two batters and didn’t commit an error in the field. Meanwhile, they worked five walks and a hit-by-pitch. That’s a net ‘+4’ in the free base department.

Solo Returns: It was a significant moment for Solomon Maguire, who returned to high-level competitive action for the first time in 12 months. Maguire suffered a shoulder injury during the U-23 World Cup Qualifiers last November, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery.

Brook’s Journey: Lachlan Brook has taken a different pathway to the national team than his 23 other teammates. While every other player on the roster has some university or professional experience, Brook has developed entirely within the Australian baseball system. He pitches for the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League and the Macarthur Orioles in the New South Wales State League.

Around the Tournament: It was an eventful opening day at the U-23 World Cup. Venezuela cruised past South Africa 10-0, while Chinese Taipei launched three home runs in a 5-2 victory over Czechia. Puerto Rico walked off Panama 2-1, Korea edged Cuba 3-2 in extra innings, and Japan needed extras to complete a comeback 5-4 victory over Great Britain.

Up Next: Australia faces Puerto Rico (1-0) at 5:00AM AEDT on Saturday, or 12 noon local time in Managua. Puerto Rico opened its campaign with a dramatic 2-1 walk-off victory over Panama.

Above: Scenes from the opening ceremony, held right before the game. Photo: WBSC

TOURNAMENT STANDINGS | CURRENT

Top three teams advance to the Super Round

Pool A

Australia 1-0
Puerto Rico 1-0
Chinese Taipei 1-0
Czechia 0-1
Panama 0-1
Nicaragua 0-1

Pool B

Venezuela 1-0
Korea 1-0
Japan 1-0
Great Britain 0-1
Cuba 0-1
South Africa 0-1

Full Tournament Info: WBSC Website 

There are three words, all beginning with the letter ‘C’, guiding Team Australia in their journey at the 2026 Under-23 Baseball World Cup.

“It’s about connection, commitment and courage,” says manager Shayne Watson.

It’s a philosophy that will be tested in Nicaragua from November 6-15, where Australia has assembled a unique roster for a unique situation in international baseball.

With the Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC) taking place simultaneously in Tokyo, Australia has split its emerging talent across two tournaments.

In simple terms, Australia has chosen to send a predominantly professional roster to Tokyo, while assembling a largely college-based group to compete in Nicaragua.

Of the 24 players selected for the U23 World Cup, five have professional experience: Jake Burns, Solomon Maguire, Nikau Pouaka-Grego, Juan Ramirez and John Lemm. Nine players are aged 20 or younger.

MEET TEAM AUSTRALIA: Bios of each player on the U23 Roster

For Watson, the challenge isn’t just about preparing the roster for the tournament. It’s about bringing them together as one team.

That’s where those three guiding principles come into play.

Australia has already put them into practice, completing a five-day training camp in Texas before arriving in Nicaragua on Thursday.

The camp included two doubleheaders against junior college powerhouse San Jacinto College and a game against Galveston College. Team Australia also spent two days at Rice University, working on role clarity, team defence and tournament preparation.

Senior National Team manager Dave Nilsson joined the group for the final two days before heading to Tokyo for the APBC, helping to strengthen the connection and pathway between Australia’s national programs.

Watson says the camp delivered exactly what the team needed.

“We brought together players and staffs from a wide range of programs and the biggest outcome has been how quickly the group has connected and aligned with a shared purpose,” he says. “What gives me confidence is the willingness of the group to invest in each other. Every session has been approached with intent.”

HUB: Everything you need to know for the U23 World Cup 

Let’s start with connection.

Some players are meeting their teammates for the first time. Others are experiencing their first national team environment. Meanwhile, players like Solomon Maguire are in their second U23 World Cup and have played at every possible WBSC event.

Watson says the shared opportunity to represent Australia has helped the group come together quickly.

The coaching staff has been deliberate in conducting daily check-ins with players, understanding individual needs and establishing trust.

“What stood out most is how quickly the group moved beyond where they came from and started focusing on what we could achieve together,” says Watson. “One of the unique things about bringing players together in this environment is there is already a strong connection through a shared purpose. They all arrive with a deep appreciation for what the opportunity represents.”

For Watson, connection is about more than simply getting along.

He believes success in tournament baseball is built on collective effort rather than individual achievement, and he’s already seen examples of that philosophy in action.

Watson says trust is built through strong relationships, honest communication, and genuine support for one another.

“We consistently saw players at camp sharing information, experiences and learnings with teammates…often with no immediate benefit to themselves,” he says. “Whether it be discussing opposing pitchers, positioning, base running information, or preparation routines, there is a genuine desire to help the next player be successful.”

The second principle is commitment.

“It’s about bringing purpose, discipline, and consistency to everything we do, understanding that performance is built through daily habits and attention to detail,” says Watson.

With a challenging group awaiting Australia in Nicaragua, preparation will be critical.

Australia has been drawn into Pool A alongside hosts Nicaragua, World No. 2 Chinese Taipei, rising power Panama, traditional powerhouse Puerto Rico and European contender Czechia.

A top-three finish would see Australia advance to the Super Round, where they would face the three qualifying nations from Pool B, featuring Japan, South Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Great Britain and South Africa.

There will be little room for error.

For a group assembled from different programs across Australia and overseas, Watson believes the commitment to a shared purpose will be crucial.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP: Free in Australia on Baseball+

Then comes courage. Against some of the world’s strongest baseball nations, Australia will need plenty of it.

Watson says the team is already establishing a culture of embracing pressure, welcoming challenges and competing with conviction.

“We need to be prepared to step outside our comfort zone, respond positively to adversity, and contribute whatever the team needs in the moments that matter most,” he says.

It’s a particularly important message for a squad featuring players at different stages of their baseball careers, many of whom will be experiencing international competition at this level for the first time.

Watson is urging his young Australian squad to focus on the behaviours that will give the team its best chance to succeed.

“World Cups are challenging, and every game demands your full attention. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes, our emphasis is on becoming the most connected, resilient, and competitive version of ourselves throughout the tournament,” he says. “We want to be known as a team that trusts each other, commits fully to a shared purpose, and competes with courage whenever the game demands it.”

“If we live those behaviours consistently, we’ll maximise our potential and ensure our actions match the responsibility that comes with representing Australia.”

The World Cup begins Saturday in Australian time. The tournament will be covered online at Baseball.com.au and across Team Australia social media channels.

Australia has named its squad for the 2026 WBSC U23 Baseball World Cup, taking place in Nicaragua from November 6–15.

National selectors faced an interesting ‘timing’challenge this year, leaving the U23 squad with a distinct identity. The Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC) runs at the Tokyo Dome at the same time, with both tournaments drawing from Australia’s emerging talent pool.

The result? Australia’s APBC squad features more established professional players, while the U23 World Cup team is largely made up of athletes competing in American college baseball.

Five players have professional experience: Jake Burns, Solomon Maguire, Nikau Pouaka-Grego, Juan Ramirez and John Lemm.

“There were a few key players we decided to send with the Under 23s to get more playing time and lead the group,” said senior national team manager Dave Nilsson in the APBC roster release.

The U23 squad will be led by manager Shayne Watson, who returns as head coach after leading Australia at the 2024 U23 World Cup.

Watson says selectors considered performance, physical readiness, previous national team experience and the ability to contribute to a tournament environment.

“We considered performances over an extended period, including domestic competition, US College and Professional environments, previous national team involvement, physical readiness, role suitability, character, and the ability to contribute towards a tournament team centred mentality,” he says.

Four players return from the 2024 U23 World Cup. They are pitchers Josh Beezley, Lachlan Brook, catcher Jake Burns and outfielder Solomon Maguire.

Maguire returns to the baseball field after missing a year because of a shoulder injury sustained in the U23 Qualifiers.

Another notable inclusion is Nikau Pouaka-Grego, who returns to the Australian national program after representing New Zealand at the 2022 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers. He previously played for Australia at the U15 World Cup and spent time in the Philadelphia Phillies organisation.

The squad also features recent college graduates Darcy Barry and Josh Beezley, with nine aged 20 or younger.

Watson says the team will be guided by three principles, all starting with the letter ‘C’: Connected, Committed and Courageous.

“We want to be connected in the way we support each other, committed to the work and standards required at this level, and courageous when the game is on the line,” he says.

Australia opens its campaign against hosts Nicaragua on November 6, with all games available to watch free on Baseball+ within Australia. International viewers can watch on Gametime.Sport.

Below is everything Australian fans need to know, including the schedule, tournament format and player profiles.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the U23 Baseball World Cup?

The WBSC U23 Baseball World Cup takes place every two years, with 12 national teams competing for a world championship.

Each country had to qualify through a local event. Australia qualified by defeating Guam in the Oceania qualifier.

Results count towards the WBSC Men’s Baseball World Rankings, where Australia currently sits 10th.

Nicaragua will host the tournament for the first time from November 6–15.

Where will it be played and how can I watch?

Games will be played across three venues in Nicaragua:

– Estadio Nacional Soberanía, Managua
– Estadio Roberto Clemente, Masaya
– Estadio Rigoberto López Pérez, León

Estadio Nacional Soberanía, in the capital Managua, will host the championship game.

Australian fans can watch games free on Baseball+.

International viewers can watch on Gametime.Sport, the WBSC’s streaming platform.

What is Australia’s schedule?

Australia has been drawn into Group A alongside Nicaragua, Chinese Taipei, Puerto Rico, Panama and Czechia.

The Australians will play five Opening Round games, beginning against hosts Nicaragua.

All times below are in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), with Nicaragua local times included for reference.

– Sat 7 Nov, 12:30 PM: Australia vs Nicaragua | 7:30 PM (Fri) |
– Sun 8 Nov, 5:00 AM: Australia vs Puerto Rico | 12:00 PM (Sat) |
– Mon 9 Nov, 3:30 AM: Czechia vs Australia | 10:30 AM (Sun) |
– Tue 10 Nov, 3:30 AM: Chinese Taipei vs Australia | 10:30 AM (Mon) |
– Wed 11 Nov, 11:00 AM: Panama vs Australia | 6:00 PM (Tues)

How does the tournament work?

The 12 teams are divided into two groups of six.

Group A features Australia, Nicaragua, Chinese Taipei, Puerto Rico, Panama and Czechia.

Group B features Japan, South Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Great Britain and South Africa.

Each team plays five Opening Round games. The top three teams from each group advance to the Super Round, while the remaining teams enter the Placement Round.

In the Super Round, teams face the three qualifiers from the opposite group. Results against fellow advancing teams carry over from the Opening Round.

The Super Round runs from November 12–14, followed by the bronze medal game and World Championship Final on November 15.

Meet Team Australia | Roster and Player Profiles

INF | Darcy Barry | South Australia | Adelaide Giants / University of Arkansas at Monticello | Age: 23

He found his power. Barry left for college known as an elite contact hitter. He began his American college career in 2022, playing at North Iowa Area Community College. He hit below .200 his first season but saw dramatic changes after a transfer to Dakota State and Arkansas–Monticello. He hit .277 with 12 home runs, 44 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 2026, following a 2025 season in which he also hit 12 home runs and stole 24 bases. A lifelong Adelaide Giants supporter, Barry was announced as a signing for 2026–27, subject to final roster confirmation. Read the feature on his power transformation here. 

RHP | Joshua Beezley | New South Wales | Sydney Blue Sox / University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Age: 23

A returning Australian representative from the 2024 U23 World Cup in China. Beezley completed his college career at Little Rock in 2026, making 29 relief appearances with a 3–0 record, one save and a 3.57 ERA across 40.1 innings. He walked just nine batters and helped Little Rock win consecutive Ohio Valley Conference Tournament titles and reach the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time. The Sydney Blue Sox announced his signing in October 2026.

LHP | Lachlan Brook | New South Wales | Sydney Blue Sox | Age: 23

Australian developed. Brook doesn’t have college experience, he’s been developed at home. A Macarthur Orioles product who represented Australia at the 2024 U23 World Cup and 2025 Oceania U23 qualifiers. Brook joined Sydney as a development player and threw 4.2 scoreless innings late in the 2023–24 ABL season. He earned a call-up to the 2024 U23 World Cup, where he kept Japan scoreless through his first two innings. Brook credits experienced Blue Sox pitchers Josh Guyer and Chris Oxspring with helping his transition from starter to reliever.

 C | Jake Burns | New South Wales | Melbourne Aces / Former St. Louis Cardinals | Age: 23

A lifelong Australian representative. A familiar face in Australian baseball, Burns has represented his country at Little League, U15, U18 and U23 World Cups, plus the 2023 APBC. He spent three seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals organisation, learning catching techniques from nine-time Gold Glove winner Yadier Molina. Burns also travelled with Australia’s 2026 World Baseball Classic squad as a bullpen catcher. He has played in the ABL for Sydney and Brisbane and signed with Melbourne for 2026–27.

OF | Luke Donaghey | New South Wales | Galveston College | Age: 20

A national program debut. A Manly Baseball Club product making his WBSC World Cup debut. Donaghey was a freshman at Galveston College in Texas in 2026, alongside Australian teammates Ben Karakasis and Nic Paparella. He previously travelled with Australia’s U18 squad to a Perfect Game tournament in 2024 and earned selection to an MLB World Select showcase team. He has represented New South Wales at junior national championships and is known for his speed, throwing arm and ability to hit to all fields.

 OF | Callum Donnelly | New South Wales | Indian Hills Community College | Age: 21

His first time in the Green & Gold. Coming off an outstanding sophomore season at Indian Hills Community College in Iowa. Donnelly hit .409 across 44 games in 2026, collecting 70 hits, nine home runs, 46 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He finished with a 1.133 OPS and struck out just 15 times while drawing 15 walks.

OF | William Edwards | New South Wales | University of Sioux Falls | Age: 22

Edwards completed his senior season at NCAA Division II University of Sioux Falls in 2026, batting .326 with four home runs, 40 RBI and eight stolen bases across 52 games. He collected 62 hits with a .419 on-base percentage, improving on his .295 batting average from 2025. Edwards began his American college career at McCook Community College before transferring to Sioux Falls. Edwards earned Academic Achievement recognition and was a member of the NSIC Team of Excellence. He played for Australia at the 2016 Little League World Series and the 2018 Junior League World Series.

RHP | Deakin Filko | South Australia | Adelaide Giants | Age: 18

The young gun. A hard-throwing South Australian prospect who represented Australia at the 2025 U18 World Cup. Filko made his ABL debut in 2025-26 with the Adelaide Giants. Ahead of the 2026 Australian U18 Championships, Filko had touched 90 mph during winter training. He is one Australia’s youngest members on the team, yet to commit to college.

INF | Cal Fingleson | New South Wales | Tyler Junior College | Age: 20

An elite freshman year. Cal Fingleson put on a show in his first year in college as a designated hitter during his freshman season at Tyler Junior College in Texas. Fingleson batted .370 with 23 stolen bases, striking out just 14 times in 128 plate appearances. Son of former Australian baseball player and 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist Gavin Fingleson. 

INF | Quinn Johnson | New South Wales | Oklahoma Baptist University | Age: 22

A break out college season. Johnson earned All-Great American Conference Honourable Mention honours in 2026 after batting .345 with five home runs, 37 RBI and 14 doubles. He recorded a team-best 18-game hitting streak and 19 multi-hit games while posting a .988 fielding percentage at first base. Previously played at Pratt Community College in Kansas.

RHP | Benjamin Karakasis | New South Wales | Galveston College | Age: 20

An Australian representative at the 2023 U18 World Cup who began his college career at Galveston College in Texas in 2026. Karakasis also represented New South Wales at multiple Australian Youth Championships and participated in Team Australia and MLB development tours in 2024.

C | John Lemm | Queensland | Brisbane Bandits / St. Louis Cardinals / University of Alabama | Age: 23

A newly signed St. Louis Cardinals prospect. Lemm joined the organisation as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 MLB Draft after finishing his college career at Alabama. He previously hit .272 with 19 home runs, 56 RBI and a 1.104 OPS at Southern Illinois in 2025, earning Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honours. He followed with 10 home runs and 34 RBI against SEC competition at Alabama in 2026. He helped Alabama qualify for the College World Series. Lemm also signed with his hometown Brisbane Bandits for 2026–27.

OF | Solomon Maguire | New South Wales | Sydney Blue Sox / Former Pittsburgh Pirates | Age: 23

The only Australian to play in every major WBSC event. Maguire has represented Australia at U12, U15, U18 and U23 World Cups, as well as the 2024 Premier12. He homered on the first swing of his senior international career against Samurai Japan in 2022. At the 2024 U23 World Cup, he tied for the tournament lead with nine RBI and two home runs. Maguire spent five seasons in the Pittsburgh Pirates organisation, reaching Single-A Bradenton. He has re-signed with the Sydney Blue Sox for 2026-27 after missing all of last year because of a shoulder injury sustained at the U23 World Cup qualifiers.

INF | Joshua Nati | New South Wales | Sydney Blue Sox / Oregon State University | Age: 19

An All-World Team selection at the 2025 U18 World Cup. Nati hit for the cycle and drove in six runs against Guam during Australia’s 2025 U23 Oceania qualifying series. He hit two home runs in eight ABL games for Sydney in 2025–26 before beginning his college career at Oregon State, where his first hit was a pinch-hit home run against Mercer. His older brother Jimmy played at Stanford before signing with the Kansas City Royals in 2026.

RHP | Jesse Neretlis | Western Australia | Pima Community College | Age: 20

A two-way baseball product from the Rockingham Rams, Neretlis has developed as both a catcher and pitcher. He played State League baseball in Western Australia and spent time with Perth Heat Futures before joining Pima Community College in Arizona. His pitching earned NJCAA Division II All-Region Second Team honours in 2026 after posting a 3.69 ERA across 46.1 innings.

LHP | Tyson Noel | Western Australia | Perth Heat / University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | Age: 22

A towering 6-foot-7 left-hander returning to Western Australia after four years of American college baseball. A Swan Districts product, Noel played at Cochise College before transferring to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. He struck out 209 batters across 53 collegiate appearances, including 46 starts. His best statistical season came in 2024, when he recorded six wins and 89 strikeouts in 76.2 innings. Signed with Perth for the 2026–27 ABL season for his first official pro campaign.

RHP | William Page-Allen | ACT | Fresno State | Age: 22

A recent NCAA D1 transfer. A 6-foot-4 right-hander who completed his junior season at Fresno State in 2026, making 23 relief appearances with three wins, two saves and 25 strikeouts in 31 innings. Previously recorded a 2.80 ERA and 14 saves at Feather River College, striking out 89 hitters. Has also pitched for the Canberra Cavalry.

UTIL | Nicholas Paparella | South Australia | Galveston College | Age: 20

Homered at the 2023 U18 World Cup. Paparella returns to the national program three years later, this time with two years of experience at Galveston College. He hit .261 with six homers and 45 RBI for Galveston in 2026. He has also participated in Perfect Game and MLB World Select development events in the United States. Paparella represented South Australia at multiple Australian Youth Championships and appeared in the ABL as an Adelaide Giants development player.

RHP | Charlie Pierson | Victoria | Eastern New Mexico University | Age: 22

A 2022 U18 World Cup representative from the Mornington Peninsula. Pierson began his college career at Frank Phillips College in Texas before transferring to NCAA Division II Eastern New Mexico University. He pitched 61 innings during his sophomore season at Frank Phillips, including an eight-strikeout outing against Lamar Community College.

INF | Nikau Pouaka-Grego | Victoria | Former Philadelphia Phillies | Age: 22

Returning the Australian national program. Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Pouaka-Grego developed his baseball career in Australia before signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in January 2022. He hit .301 in his first professional season before a serious knee injury interrupted his development in 2023. He later reached Double-A Reading in 2026. A former Australian junior representative and U15 World Cup representative.

RHP | Juan Manuel Ramirez | Queensland | Toronto Blue Jays | Age: 20

A young Toronto Blue Jays prospect coming off an impressive second professional season. Ramirez posted a 4–1 record and 1.16 ERA across 15 relief appearances for the DSL Blue Jays Red in 2026. He struck out 39 batters in 23.1 innings, averaging more than 15 strikeouts per nine innings. Born in Sydney, Ramirez has spent both professional seasons in the Dominican Summer League, compiling a 2.09 career ERA across 31 appearances. His fastball sits between 94mph and 96mph.

RHP | Lachlan Robinson | New South Wales | Blacktown Workers / Weatherford College | Age: 18

A young player with a national team debut. A Blacktown Workers product who helped New South Wales win gold at the 2025 U18 Australian Youth Championships. Robinson features a five-pitch arsenal. His junior performances earned an invitation to Australia’s U18 National Team Camp, but he did not make the final squad.  He committed to Weatherford College in Texas, where he is set to debut in 2027.

LHP | Lachlan Rosser | New South Wales | Sydney Blue Sox / University of Nebraska | Age: 21

A towering 6-foot-7 left-hander from Wollongong preparing for his ABL debut with Sydney. Rosser recorded 72 strikeouts across 73.2 innings at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, holding opponents to a .231 batting average. His performances earned him a commitment to the University of Nebraska for 2027, where he will compete in the Big Ten Conference. Previously represented Australia at the 2023 U18 World Cup.

OF | Max Stagg | South Australia | UC Santa Barbara | Age: 22

A power-hitting outfielder with international experience. Stagg represented Australia at the 2022 U18 World Cup before starring at Central Arizona College, where he hit .382 with 14 home runs, 49 RBI and a .702 slugging percentage in 2025. He homered in all three games of a regional semifinal series against Cochise, including twice in the deciding game. Transferred to UC Santa Barbara in 2026, earning the program’s Golden Eagle Award for academic achievement while studying economics.

Team Australia has confirmed their list of 18 players who will travel to Guam for the 2026 WBSC U12 Oceania Championships, with a place at the 2027 U12 Baseball World Cup in Tainan up for grabs.

Three nations will compete for the region’s lone qualification spot. Australia, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands (MNP) will face off in a triple round-robin tournament format.

Each country will play the other three times, with the team finishing with the best record earning a ticket to the World Cup in July 2027.

The tournament runs from November 27-30, 2026.

Australia enters the tournament as defending Oceania champions, having won the regional qualifier in 2024. Australia went on to finish ninth at the 2025 U12 World Cup – the best result in program history.

The Australian squad has been selected in consultation with state baseball bodies across the country.

FULL SCHEDULE: Grab the official U12 Qualifiers Schedule

A new face will lead the Australian dugout. 35-year-old Max Brennen will make his national program managerial debut, taking charge of the U12 squad for the first time.

A former Sydney Blue Sox player in the Australian Baseball League, Brennen also played collegiate baseball at West Texas A&M University in the United States. He currently serves as coach and president of Sydney’s Petersham Leichhardt Baseball Club and has been involved in Baseball NSW’s junior development pathways.

He’ll be supported by a coaching and support group spanning the country, with Western Australia’s Mark Pettit serving as Pitching Coach and Queensland’s Dan Wilson joining as Assistant Coach.

Val Langworthy returns as Executive Officer.

Australia will have another representative on the diamond, with New South Wales umpire Michael Bryan appointed to officiate at the tournament.

Fans and family can follow Australia’s qualification campaign through live scoring on the WBSC website, with tournament coverage, results and updates available at Baseball.com.au and across Team Australia’s social media channels.

Schedule
– Nov 27: Australia vs MNP, 10:30AM AEDT (9:30AM local)
– Nov 27: Australia vs Guam, 1:00PM AEDT (12:00PM local)
– Nov 28: Australia vs Guam, 3:00PM AEDT (2:00PM local)
– Nov 29: Australia vs MNP, 12:00PM AEDT (11:00AM local)
– Nov 30: Australia vs Guam: 12:00PM AEDT (11:00:AM local)
– Nov 30: Australia vs MNP: 3:00PM AEDT (2:00PM local)