A Narrow Victory in Taichung
The United States' Collegiate National Team traveled to Taichung City, Taiwan, where they faced Japan in a tightly fought contest that swung back and forth until the final outs. The Americans emerged with a 3‑2 triumph, snapping a seven‑game winless streak that had lingered over previous meetings with the Japanese side.
Scoring unfolded early, with the U.S. plating all three of its runs in the second and third innings. The Japanese answered in the fourth and sixth, narrowing the gap to a single run and keeping the pressure on the American bullpen.
Easton Hawk entered the game in relief and delivered four consecutive hitless innings, showcasing the composure that earned him the save. His performance was a cornerstone of the team's strategy, allowing the offense to build a modest lead that they would protect until the final out.
Offensively, the U.S. compiled ten hits, driven by standout efforts from Derrick Pitts, who finished with three hits, and Nico Partida, who added a pair. Kolby Branch, Anthony Pack Jr., Ryker Waite, Hogan Denny, Takara Yamasoto, Kai Watabe, Yoshinobu Kuroda and Jackson Sanders also contributed to the offensive output, ensuring a balanced attack.
The victory was sealed when Jackson Sanders was credited with the win after surrendering just one run over 1.2 innings, while Hawk's late work locked down the game. The win not only marked a turning point in the series history but also set the stage for a highly anticipated clash with Korea on July 14 at Intercontinental Stadium.