A grand slam from Jarryd Dale and a clutch performance on the mound from Jett Wright has helped Australia escape with a tie in their seventh game of their pre-World Cup series against Canada.
Jarryd Dale nailed his second home run in as many days, with this one coming at a crucial point for Australia. With a single to Jess Williams and walks to Dermot Fritsch and Alex Hall, Dale crushed one to left field, giving his team the lead and breathing new life into the Australian camp.
Canada responded instantly, with a two-run home run of their own to tie the ballgame up again in the fifth, and from there the intensity between the two sides lifted.
Manager Steve Fish continued to preach the need for consistency post-game.
"We need to cut down on those mental mistakes," Fish said.
"It's all about the little things in tournament baseball, and if we continue to throw strikes and play well defensively, we can really challenge at the U18 World Cup."
Canberra's Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis had some struggles on the mound, but eventually found his rhythm, striking out six and only giving up two earned runs in four innings of work.
Jess Williams again proved a tough out at the top of the Australian lineup, going 2-for-4 with a walk, while Jarryd Dale drove in all five of his team's runs care of the grand slam and a ninth inning sacrifice fly.
The final frame saw international tiebreaker rules come into effect, and having pushed a run across in the top half, Perth's Jett Wright was called upon to finish the game on the mound. Despite giving up a bases loaded walk, Wright stepped up to retire the next three batters in order to deny Canada the victory.
Australia plays it's final warm-up game before the U18 World Cup tomorrow at 10.30am local time.