An early offensive explosion from the Dominican Republic proved a bridge too far for the Australian U15 World Cup team, as they fell 20-8 in Chitré, Panama.
James Nati again proved why he is one of the best young talents in Australian baseball with a solo home run in the bottom of the first which gave Australia an early lead.
From there however, the Dominican offence found it's groove, plating 13 runs in the next two innings, leaving Australia with a massive mountain to climb.
The Australians responded with a four run inning of their own in the bottom of the fourth, which was capped off by a two-RBI single from WA talent Maddux Stivey.
Unfortunately for the Australians, the offensive display continued from the Dominican Republic continued, as they racked up 20 hits to put the game beyond doubt.
Australia's fourth game of the U15 World Cup is a must-win clash against The Netherlands, which takes place at 1am AEST on Tuesday 14 August.