Argentina wins 2014 U-19 Men's Softball World Championship

release from the WBSC (ISF)   

WHITEHORSE, YK, Canada -- Argentina has defended its title at the ten-nation U-19 Men's Youth Softball World Championship, defeating New Zealand, 9-0, in the gold medal final, after 10 days of world-class softball.  

With the victory, Argentina brings only the second softball world championship title to South America, after winning the first title at the 2012 U-19 Men's Softball World Championship in front of the home crowd in Argentina.

The New Zealand "Black Sox" will take the silver medal back to Oceania, while Japan -- who fell to Argentina in the semifinals, in a battle that went into extra-innings -- will take home the bronze. (*See final standings below.)

For New Zealand, it was the first time since 1997 that the Black Sox had advanced all the way to the championship final, after having defeated neighbour Australia in the semifinal.

"Congratulations to Argentina on retaining the world title and congratulations to the city of Whitehorse for delivering a very successful world championship," said WBSC Executive Vice President Dale McMann. "This special event not only highlights the depth of WBSC's sport disciplines to engage and promote young athletes, but also shows the growing global presence of our sport, especially with countries like Argentina now firmly solidifying South America, and Australia and New Zealand in Oceania competing at world-class levels."

The U-19 Men's Softball World Championship is celebrated every two years, and the next edition will be hosted by Midland, Michigan, USA.

*U-19 Men's World Championship Final Standings

1.  Argentina 

2.  New Zealand 

3.  Japan 

4.  Australia 

5.  USA 

6.  Mexico 

7.  Canada 

8.  Czech Republic 

9.  Denmark

10.  Singapore