(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Mexico Edges Out Japan in Thriller, Cuba Dominates Australia – Super Round and Placement Round Set at WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2025
The Opening Round of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2025, presented by RAXUS, concluded on Wednesday, July 30 in Tainan, Taiwan, with dramatic results setting the stage for the Super Round and Placement Round.
Group A wrapped up with an exciting three-way tie, as Mexico, Japan, and Chinese Taipei each finished with a 4-1 win-loss record. Meanwhile, Cuba secured a dominant victory over Australia, positioning themselves strongly for the Placement Round.
All games of the tournament are streamed live on GameTime, the WBSC’s exclusive OTT platform (availability may vary in Taiwan, Korea, and Japan).
Mexico vs. Japan: A Nail-Biting 7-6 Victory
World No. 5 Mexico staged a thrilling comeback to defeat No. 1 Japan in a game full of momentum shifts and standout performances.
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Mexico initially fell behind but launched a six-run rally in the bottom of the second inning, taking advantage of two walks, two hit batters, and a defensive error.
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RBI singles by Emiliano Felix, Gaston Gaxiola, and Eduardo Miranda helped capitalize on the opportunity.
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Japan fought back in the fourth inning with a two-RBI single by Tyler Ogawa, narrowing the gap to just two runs.
The tension peaked in the sixth inning:
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Taiki Toyama hit a solo home run, making it a one-run game.
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Japan had a chance to tie it when Shinnosuke Yoshizuka reached base with a single.
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But reliever Iker Calvillo closed it out by retiring Daichi Terada on a fly ball to left, securing the win for Mexico.
With this result, Mexico, Japan, and Chinese Taipei all advance to the Super Round, each carrying a 1-1 record, based on their head-to-head results in the Opening Round.
Cuba Overpowers Australia 19-2 in Five Innings
In Group B action, World No. 12 Cuba showcased their offensive strength by defeating No. 11 Australia in dominant fashion.
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Yuceider Torres delivered a two-run home run in the first inning, helping Cuba start strong with three early runs.
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The Cuban offense exploded for 16 additional runs on 12 hits, ending the game early under the run-difference rule after five innings.
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Pitcher Sean Garcia was outstanding, holding Australia hitless through three innings with six strikeouts and just one walk.
Australia managed to get on the scoreboard in the fourth inning against Cuban reliever Yuniel Zamora, but the gap was too wide to overcome.
Cuba now enters the Placement Round with a perfect 2-0 record, while Australia begins with a 1-1 standing.
What’s Next?
With the Super Round and Placement Round officially set, fans can expect more exciting action as the world’s top young baseball talents compete for the title.
Stay tuned to GameTime, the WBSC’s official streaming platform, for full coverage of every pitch, play, and highlight from the U-12 Baseball World Cup 2025 – rain or shine.
