Unbeaten teams emerge as crowds pack stands on Day 2 at WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup

For the second consecutive day, the Eduardo Porras and 20 de Enero stadiums were fully packed for the six games of the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup. Around 2,500 fans filled the stands at Eduardo Porras, while more than 8,000 attended the games at the 20 de Enero venue.

New Zealand took control of Group A, remaining the only undefeated team with a 2-0 record. However, four teams follow one game behind at 1-1. Argentina, Colombia, Czechia and Japan are tied for second place, while South Africa closes the standings with no wins after two days.

In Group B, Australia and Venezuela sit atop the standings with perfect records, followed by Canada and Mexico at 1-1. Denmark and Singapore, still looking for their first wins, are both 0-2.

The best game of the day—and of the tournament so far—was a thriller between Argentina and Japan. Down to the final out in the top of the seventh and trailing 2-1, Argentina’s shortstop Khalil Luna blasted a two-run home run to give the South Americans the lead. Luna was named Player of the Game, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Nahuel Saenz closed the game in the bottom of the seventh, completing a 13-strikeout performance to secure Argentina’s first win.

The key matchup in Group B was Australia vs Canada, with Boston Lowe breaking a tie with a home run in the fifth inning to power the Aussies to their second win.

Once again, Australian left-hander Jack Besgrove delivered a dominant performance in the circle. He pitched six scoreless innings with 14 strikeouts. He leads the tournament with 13 innings pitched, 27 strikeouts, two wins and a 0.00 ERA.

Monday’s schedule again features six games, three at each stadium. Eduardo Porras will host Japan vs South Africa at 13:00, followed by Denmark vs Singapore at 16:00. The day will close with Mexico vs Canada at 19:00.

At 20 de Enero stadium, Australia will face Venezuela at 14:00 in a clash of undefeated teams in Group B. Czechia will meet Argentina at 17:00 in a key Group A matchup, while Colombia will host New Zealand at 20:00.