U.S. Men's National Team falls to Czech Republic, 6-3, in first loss of WBSC Men's Softball World Cup

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Despite a late offensive spark from the U.S. Men's National Team (MNT), the Eagles came up short in its first loss of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Men's Softball World Cup after falling to the Czech Republic, 6-3. A solo-shot from Jonathan Lynch in the top of the sixth and RBIs from Yusef Davis (single) and Matt Palazzo (double) put the U.S. on the board late in the game, but the rally fell short as Team USA recorded its first loss of the tournament for an overall 2-1 record through three days of competition. Jon Gwizdala, Brad Kilpatrick and Jerlin Rutt combined for seven strikeouts in the circle in the 6-3 loss.

Team USA will close out Opening Round with matchups against Cuba (Nov. 29 at 12 p.m. NZST/Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. CT) and Argentina (Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m. NZST/Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m. CT). The tournament will then advance to the Super and Placement Rounds where the top three teams in each Group will battle it out to determine the final two teams who will go head-to-head in the World Championship Final on Friday, Dec, at 4 p.m. NZST (Dec. 3 at 9 pm. CT). The third and fourth-place teams will compete for the bronze medal earlier that day.