New Zealand start strong with two wins at Oceania U-18 Men’s Softball qualifier

New Zealand opened play at the WBSC Oceania U-18 Men’s Softball Qualifier with two wins on Saturday in Palmerston North, including a 6-4 result against Australia in the final game of day.

Australia began the tournament with an 18-0 win over American Samoa. They built their lead early through consistent hitting and made use of scoring opportunities, with Flynn Townsend, Cameron Parker and Ezekiel Turnbull among those contributing key runs. Turnbull and Jonathan Fabar each hit home runs, while Tyler Ingold and Lawson Muller added extra-base hits as Australia maintained control throughout the game.

New Zealand followed with a 20-0 win over American Samoa in their opening game. Rico Felix Paora Ratu led the offence with two home runs, while Boston Andrew Allan and Mikaera Kingi-Hicks contributed with timely hits to drive in runs. The hosts also capitalised on opportunities on the bases, including multiple runs scored on wild pitches, to build their total across the early innings.

The final game of the day between New Zealand and Australia provided a more closely contested matchup. New Zealand took the lead through early scoring, including a double and a single from Mikaera Kingi-Hicks and a home run from Ratu. Australia responded in the middle innings, with Ezekiel Turnbull driving in two runs and Flynn Edards adding another to keep the game within reach.

New Zealand added to their lead in the later innings, including a run from a bases-loaded walk and further runs coming from a passed ball and a wild pitch. Australia continued to apply pressure, scoring through similar situations, but New Zealand held their advantage to close out the game 6-4.

With the opening day completed, the round-robin continues with Australia set to face American Samoa again, while New Zealand and Australia will meet once more before the playoff rounds. The second- and third-placed teams will contest the Opening Round, with the winner advancing to the Final to challenge the top-ranked team.

The Oceania qualifier will determine the region’s representative at the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2027, set to be held in Havlickuv Brod and Ledenice in Czechia.

Photo source: Softball New Zealand