Western Australian players Rylan Ottaway and Noah McCabe have helped Australia achieve its best finish at the 2026 WBSC U15 Baseball World Cup, with the national team placing eighth in Mexico.
The result was secured with an 8-4 comeback win over Germany and a 5-1 victor over South Africa to close the tournament.
After the Germany win, manager Andy Kyle pointed to Australia’s defence and relief pitching as key to the comeback.
“Looking back, Ottoway’s catch and throw home to shut down the first inning was crucial,” Kyle said.
Ottawa Delivers With Bat and Glove
Gosnells Hawks player Ottoway hit a double and drove in a run in Australia’s 9-2 victory over Czechia. Against Germany, he stopped an early scoring threat with a catch in left field and a throw home that completed a double play and ended the first inning.
McCabe Delivers Strong Starts
Braves Baseball Club’s McCabe allowed no earned runs in his starts against Czechia and Germany. Against Czechia, he struck out three and conceded just one hit across 2 innings, before backing up with two innings against Germany.
WA Support Behind the Squad
Alongside the players, Kyle led Australia’s campaign as manager, while Nicole Gunzerg provided physiotherapy support for the squad.
Congratulations to Rylan, Noah, Andy and Nicole on representing Western Australia in the green and gold and contributing to Australia’s best U15 World Cup result.