Australia remain unbeaten as Besgrove sets record; Venezuela, New Zealand also win

Australia maintained their perfect record at the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup with a dramatic 6–5 win over Japan in nine innings, in a clash between the two group winners. Earlier in the day, Venezuela defeated Czechia, while New Zealand beat Mexico.

Australia lead the Super Round standings at 3–0. Japan and New Zealand follow at 2–1, with Mexico and Venezuela at 1–2. Czechia sit sixth at 0–3.

Jack Besgrove delivered a historic performance in Australia’s victory, driving in three runs with a bases-clearing double in the eighth inning and striking out 20 batters to set a new single-game tournament record. The previous mark was 19, set in 2023 by Argentina’s Juan Pepe.

In the matchup between second-placed teams, New Zealand recorded a statement 10–1 win over Mexico in five innings.

Venezuela delivered a commanding performance to defeat Czechia 9–1 in the opening game of the Super Round. The Venezuelan offense was consistent throughout, scoring in five of their six offensive innings to secure the win and improve to 1–2 in the Super Round.

In the Placement Round, Argentina lead the standings at 3–0. Canada and Denmark follow at 2–1, while Colombia and Singapore are 1–2. South Africa close the table at 0–3.

Argentina mounted a comeback in the seventh inning to defeat Canada 6–4 and take control of the Placement Round.

Earlier in the day, Raymond Babile hit South Africa’s first home run in U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup history. However, Singapore went on to defeat South Africa 4–3.

In the final game of the day, Denmark defeated Colombia 6-5 in extras and clinched their second win of the tournament.

Friday's schedule feature three Super Round games. Venezuela and Japan will meet at noon; arch-rivals New Zealand and Australia will face each other at 15:00; while Czechia and Mexico will close at 18:00. All three games are scheduled at 20 de Enero Stadium.

For the Placement Round, South Africa and Canada will face at 11:00; and Denmark vs Argentina at 14:00. Both games will be played at Eduardo Porras Stadium. At 21:00, Singapore will meet Colombia at 20 de Enero Stadium.