## Team USA Secures Spot in the Championship Game, Guatemala's Power Surge, and Key Wins for Colombia and Netherlands Mark Day 3 of WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2024 **Ormoc City, Philippines - June 28, 2024** - The third day of the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2024 brought an electrifying mix of high-scoring games, clutch performances, and strategic battles. Defending champions United States showcased their dominance with a decisive victory, while Guatemala's offensive firepower propelled them to a crucial win. Colombia and Netherlands kept their playoff hopes alive with hard-fought victories. ### United States Dominates to Secure Final Berth In the day's marquee matchup, the United States flexed their muscles with a resounding 10-0 victory over Japan to secure their spot in the championship game. Team USA's offense surged in the second inning, with a two-run homer from shortstop Kyle Pearson setting the tone. They added another five runs in the third inning, highlighted by a three-run blast from designated hitter Andrew Campbell. Starting pitcher James Carter delivered a masterful performance, striking out six batters and allowing just one hit over five innings. ### Guatemala's Power Surge Propels Second Victory Guatemala's offense exploded in their game against Mexico, launching three home runs to power a 9-3 victory and move to 2-1 in the tournament. Catcher Luis Juárez led the charge with a solo shot in the second inning, followed by a two-run homer from outfielder Diego Castro in the fourth. Third baseman José Quijivix capped off the power surge with a solo homer in the fifth inning. Guatemala's pitching staff also impressed, with starter Luis González limiting Mexico to three runs over four innings. ### Colombia and Netherlands Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Colombia and Netherlands both kept their playoff hopes alive with crucial victories on Day 3. Colombia defeated Argentina 5-1 behind a strong performance from starting pitcher Javier Ortiz, who tossed a complete game with six strikeouts. The Colombian offense was paced by shortstop Carlos Sánchez, who went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Meanwhile, Netherlands outlasted Czech Republic in a thrilling 6-4 extra-inning battle. With the game tied 4-4 in the eighth inning, Netherlands' outfielder Wesley Connor delivered a two-run single to secure the victory. Starting pitcher Kevin Heijstek pitched 6.1 innings, allowing four runs while striking out five batters. ### Looking Ahead to Day 4 The WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2024 continues on Day 4 with three action-packed games. Japan will face Guatemala in a battle for second place in Group A, while Czech Republic and Mexico will square off in an elimination game to determine the fourth-place finisher. The day's main event will showcase Team USA taking on Colombia in a rematch of the 2022 gold medal game.
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