Battling GB U23s lose out late to strong Puerto Rico team

A five run sixth inning from Puerto Rico proved too much for a battling GB U23 team at the WBSC World Cup this morning.

GB had kept to a 2-0 lead at the top of the second after a sac fly from J’Quann Smith drove in Aidan Kane and a walk from Max Viera allowed Andrew Johnston to score.

Puerto Rico responded with a three run third to take a one run lead.

GB pulled level at the top of the sixth when a double by Wallace Clark to right centre field drove in Ray Mercer.

Puerto Rico responded immediately with the five runs in the bottom of the sixth to move to the final 8-3 scoreline.

Shortstop Wallace Clark continued his good form with two hits including a double while centre fielder Mercer also grabbed two hits.

"First of all a big congratulations to Puerto Rico, they played a fantastic game of baseball and absolutely deserved to win. We knew that the level would raise and that this was our first berth at this level but once again I cannot fault the fearless, selfless and relentless way my players and staff are going about their business. We'll do what we've always done, fight, and I'm in no doubt the wins the will come for us very soon,” said Jonathon Cramman, GB head coach.