GB U23s start World Cup with tough loss in extra innings thriller

Great Britain U23s went down to a tough 5-3 loss to hosts China in their opening game of the WBSC World Cup.

GB had taken a 2-0 lead at the bottom of the sixth inning courtesy of a two run home run by second baseman Max Viera and a quality start from Oliver Duthie, who struck out 10 Chinese batters, giving up just two hits and one earned run.

***Oliver Duthie was in fine form on the mound with 10 strikeouts***

The hosts launched a comeback In the top of the of the seventh and with GB unable to score in the bottom of the inning, the game went into extras.

China got bat on ball early with a single, double and a sac fly and with runners on base took a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the eighth..

An infield single by Wallace Clark scored Ben Leid to pull one back but Xiang Wang claimed a complete game victory with the two final outs.

As well as Viera’s home run, a double by Tucker Stockman was one of five hits from GB against Wang.

***Max Viera (10) celebrates his two run bomb***

"Obviously a tough loss for us but I'm filled with immense pride at how fearless, selfless and relentless we where as a group, said GB U23 head coach Jonathon Cramman. “Sometimes in tournament baseball you don't get what you deserve and that's what I think happened tonight. We'll be back at it tomorrow with renewed vigour and fight”