Argentina was crowned as a Softball World Champion on November 11 for the first time in its history after beating Japan 5-0 in the final game of the ninth ISF Junior Men’s World Championship played in Parana, Argentina.
The home team won the title with an undefeated record throughout the tournament.
Third place went to Australia, who lost to Japan by 5-4 in 10 innings during the playoff round.
A crowd of more than 7000 people watched the final on a historic day for Softball Argentina. The game was broadcast live and in High Definition on Argentine public television.
Pitching duel
The game started as an exciting pitching duel between starters Huemul Mata for Argentina and Kento Okazaki for Japan, who both had no-hitters heading into the fourth inning.
The first run of the game came in the top of the fourth inning when Joaquín Alegre got on base with a walk and Roman Godoy hit an RBI triple to put Argentina ahead 1-0. That was all for Kenta Okazaki, who allowed just one hit and one run but three walks in 3.1 innings. Ogushi Taiki worked three innings in relief and allowed Argentina's other four runs on three hits and three walks while recording five strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Huemul Mata had a sensational night for Argentina, coming close to a perfect game and allowing just one hit and no walks in 6.2 innings, striking out six. Mata received help from Franco Gini, who entered the game in the sixth inning to face one batter. Mata then returned to complete the game.
Bronze medal
Australia was unable to defend its title, but received the Bronze medal after a long final playoff day. In the first game of the day, they defeated New Zealand 2-1 and then beat Canada 3-2 before losing to Japan 5-4 in ten innings in the game to decide who would meet Argentina in the final.
Fourth place went to Canada.