Despite strong performances by several core hitters, Australia opened Super Round play at the U23 World Cup with a close 15-8 loss to host nation Mexico.
Mexico got on the board tagged starting pitcher Nick Veale for a pair of runs in the top of the first inning, but the powerful Aussie bats answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. Jacob Younis drew a one-out walk and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Zac Shepherd then laced a single into left field, allowing Younis to dash home. One out later, Australia tied the game on Guy Edmonds’ double.
The game continued as a back-and-forth battle in the second inning. Mexico loaded the bases with one out in the top of the inning before taking a 5-2 lead on Moises Gutierrez’s three-run double that chased Veale from the game. New Aussie pitcher Mitch Neunborn surrendered one run before getting out of the inning.
Mexico pulled away with the lead in the middle innings, with a three-spot in the top of the fourth and two more runs in the top of the sixth. The host nation tacked on four more runs in the top of the ninth to extend the advantage.
Shepherd led Australia’s charge in chipping away at the Mexico lead in the third, doubling in Younis for Australia’s third run of the game. Undaunted by Mexico’s powerful offence, Australia also added on runs in the fourth and sixth innings, and rallied for another run on the board in the bottom of the eighth frame.
Despite the loss, the talented middle of the Aussie batting order continued to pack a solid punch in the tournament. Younis had a pair of hits and scored two runs while driving in one, and both Shepherd and Connor MacDonald had two hits and two RBIs.
Click here for the complete game box score.
Australia continues Super Round play tomorrow, Saturday 5 November against Korea. First pitch is scheduled for 5am AEDST.