Guam is playing host to New Zealand this week in the WBSC U15 Baseball World Cup 2024 Oceania Qualifier in a best-of-five series.
The visiting Kiwis drew first blood with a 13-10 win in Thursday’s opening game at the Paseo Stadium. The game went into extra innings before New Zealand pulled off the win.
Both teams had huge third innings as Guam scored five runs and NZ scored six. It was New Zealand, however, that scored three runs in the top of the final inning to break a 10-10 tie and take the early series lead.
“Today’s game, I think the players were a bit nervous,” Guam manager Keith Hattig said. “Pitchers had a tough time on both sides and New Zealand was able to capitalize on our errors. Teams are equal and I think the series will go to the team that executes the best . Gonna be a great series.”
Guam hitters
Max Dirige 4-4
J’saiah Cruz 2-2
Javier Taimanglo 2-4
Coen Pangelinan 2-4
New Zealand hitters
Cullen Scott 3-4
Kiharoa Landon-Lane 3-5
Tyrone Robinson 4-4
It is a best-of-five series but with only two teams, both will play all five games throughout the weekend at 2 pm every day at Paseo Stadium. The winner of this series will represent Oceania in the 2024 U15 World Cup. Guam advanced for the first time ever earlier this year played in Hermosillo, Mexico.
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