Australia beat hosts Canada today to move to within one win from reaching the final at the Junior Men's Softball World Championship in Prince Albert ©WBSC

Australia beat hosts Canada today to move to within one win from reaching the final at the Junior Men's Softball World Championship in Prince Albert.

A dominant performance by pitcher Layton Reid led Australia to a 2-0 victory at the Prime Ministers' Park Field.

Reid, who worked the game with left-handed catcher Jacob Donaldson, went the distance and allowed only four hits and three walks, striking out an impressive 17.

Australia now face a clash tomorrow with Japan, 6-4 winners over New Zealand today, for a place in the final on Sunday (July 15). 

If they lose that, they will meet any one of Argentina, Canada, Mexico or New Zealand in the bronze medal match, the winner of which will advance to the gold medal match.

In today's other play-off matches, Mexico defeated Czech Republic 4-2 and Argentina overcame the United States 9-2.

South Africa lost their placement-round game against Guatemala before beating Denmark ©WBSC
South Africa lost their placement-round game against Guatemala before beating Denmark ©WBSC

Tomorrow will see Mexico meet New Zealand and Argentina go up against Canada with the two winners facing off for a place in the bronze medal match.

The US and Czech Republic have been eliminated.

In the placement round, India and Guatemala both picked up wins today and will meet tomorrow to decide which team advances to the ninth-place play-off.

India beat Hong Kong 12-1, while Guatemala defeated South Africa 2-1.

Denmark were condemned to 13th and last place today after losing to Hong Kong, 9-4, and then South Africa, 7-5.

South Africa will meet Hong Kong tomorrow with the winner going up against the loser of the game between India and Guatemala for a place in the ninth-place play-off.