Despite a pair of home runs from WA duo Ulrich Bojarski and Jess Williams, Australia fell 4-2 against Venezuela at the U23 World Cup overnight.
Williams' solo shot in the sixth put Australia on the board, while Bojarski's homer came with two outs in the ninth inning.
Manager Tony Harris handed the ball to Lismore native Michael Gahan, and despite giving up an early run, the righty settled nicely. Gahan mixed speeds well and let his defence work behind him, keeping a strong Venezuelan offence at bay through the first five innings.
"Michael Gahan did an outstanding job today," Harris said.
"It's always tough to get game number one under your belt, I was really pleased with his performance."
Williams knotted the scores at one with his home run, which seemed to click Venezuela into action, as they immediately replied with three runs of their own.
Australia's bullpen surrendered some late hits, but three inning-ending double plays turned by Robbie Glendinning and Zac Shepherd kept Venezuela off the scoreboard.
"One thing we're talking about is being perfect defensively, and we did that today." Harris said.
Australia's U23 World Cup continues at 2am AEDST tomorrow (21 October) against the Czech Republic. Stay tuned to Team Australia Baseball on Facebook for broadcast details.