After 32 games of pool play, the competition at the Cal Ripken World Series in Aberdeen got serious Thursday ? and the action will be even more competitive in Friday?s semifinals, whenthe winners will advance to play in Saturday?s World Championship.
KENTUCKY MOVES ON: After a 3-1 performance in pool play, Lexington, Ky., advanced to the U.S. Championship game with 10-1 win over Olympia, Wash., Thursday. Each of Lexington?s first six batters recorded hits, as Lexington scored in each inning.
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Lexington recorded four extra-base hits, led by left fielder Taylor Blair?s double and triple.
Nick Richmond threw six innings, scattering three hits while striking out five.
Olympia?s Austin Heyland was 2-for-3 and drove in a run.
DOMINICANS ADVANCE: With three runs in its final at-bat, the Dominican Republic defeated Australia, 4-3, at Cal Sr.?s Yard Thursday. Richi Sanchez and Edison Rosario (1-0) combined for five strikeouts during the victory. Outfielder Ramon Laureano was 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two runs scored.
The Dominicans scored three runs with two outs, beginning with back-to-back doubles, and ending on an Australian error.
A LOOK AT THE STAT SHEET: Despite throwing a four-inning perfect game Wednesday, Mexico has been winning with offense. Mexico?s team batting average stood at tournament-leading .494 entering Thursday?s elimination round.
Through pool play, the top three hitters in the World Series were Mexican: Jose Alvarez (.778), Miguel Rodriguez (.714) and Carlos Munoz (.714) are the only hitters to bat over .700 through four games.
While Mexico has hit 11 home runs as a team, Tyler Anderson of Sikeston, Mo., belted a tournament-leading four home runs.
LATE RESULTS: Thursday?s afternoon rain showers pushed back start times and two games ended after press time: Japan (2-2) versus Mexico (4-0) and Tampa, Fla., against Bryant, Ark.
The winner of Japan-Mexico will face the Dominican Republic for the International Championship today at 3. Mexico is the four-time defending International champion. The winner of the Tampa-Bryant game will face Lexington, Ky. in the U.S. Championship.
SCHEDULE
All games played at Cal Sr.?s Yard and shown live on VERSUS
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» International Championship, 3
» U.S. Championship, 5:30 Saturday
» World Championship, 5
