August 21, 2018
Sunday, 19 August The United States claimed its first Under-15 Baseball World Cup title with a 7-1 victory over hosts Panama in a final watched by more than 8,000 fans in the Estadio Kenny Serracin in David.
The victory in this World Baseball and Softball Confederation event added another dimension to the US domination of the sport, given that its national teams are also reigning champions at under-12, under-18 and senior levels.
For Panama - with a population of approximately four million - this was also a best result ever in this competition.
Three first inning errors proved costly for Panama who found themselves down 6-0 after one inning of play.
A pair of walks issued by Panama starting pitcher Joaquin Tejada Ortega followed by a Brady House RBI single and three ensuing errors gave America a quick 4-0 lead before the first out was recorded.
Chinese Taipei celebrate winning bronze at the WBSC Under-15 Baseball World Cup in Panama ©WBSC
America's starting pitcher Andrew Painter was solid over 5.1 innings of work allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out five batters to earn the win.
Luke Leto entered the game with one out and two runners on in the sixth and was able to secure the victory.
After the opening the tournament with two wins, the US suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei before going on a run of six consecutive victories to claim the world title.
The All-World Team is highlighted by Most Valuable Player (MVP) Cody Schrier, shortstop of the U.S. National Team. Schrier led all eligible batters in average (.526), runs scored (16) and OPS (1.577), while also tying for the global tournament lead in home runs with two (statistics prior to the Final).
USA led the All-World squad with four players, while Panama had three players named to the team. Japan had two players represented.
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