The U.S. Collegiate National Team secured a dramatic 3‑2 win over Japan at the World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taichung City, Taiwan, snapping a seven‑game skid that had haunted American squads against their Asian rivals.
A Turning Point in Taichung
Relief pitcher Easton Hawk delivered four hitless innings, preserving the lead, while Jackson Sanders earned the victory after surrendering just one run in 1.2 innings of work. The Americans struck early, plating all three of their runs in the second and third frames.
Offensively, Derrick Pitts led the offense with a three‑hit performance, and Nico Partida added two hits. Five additional teammates contributed to a total of ten hits, underscoring the depth of the U.S. lineup.
The victory not only highlighted standout individual outings but also reinforced the team’s confidence as it prepares to meet Korea on July 14 at the Intercontinental Stadium.
With the win echoing through the tournament, players such as Kolby Branch, Ryker Waite, Hogan Denny, Takara Yamasoto, Kai Watabe and Yoshinobu Kuroda are poised to play pivotal roles in the upcoming clash, promising a fiercely contested encounter.