Photo by IBAF
Australia just missed out on a second win at the 21U Baseball World Cup, losing to Nicaragua 3-2.
Australia struggled against Nicaragua’s starting pitcher, not finding their stride until the 5th inning when a double from Robbie Perkins and a RBI single from Ryan Dale put Australia on the board. The run tied the score up after Nicaragua had put a run on in the 3rd.
Nicaragua quickly responded to Australia’s run with an additional two of their own. Australia attempted a comeback in the 8th, and were close to taking the lead and win in the 9th but were unable to capitalize on the opportunities presented to them and lost the game.
Starting pitcher Lachlan Wells and Sam Holland pitched a strong game, only giving up 7 hits combined. Perkins was hot with the bat with a single and a double, Dale with two singles and a massive triple from Zach Shepherd.
It is important for Australia to win their next game in order to finish in the top three in their group, advancing them to the super round robin. Australia requires a high finish in the tournament to increase their world ranking and be eligible to participate in the ‘Premier 12’ tournament.
It is important for Australia to win their next game in order to finish in the top three in their group, advancing them to the super round robin. Australia requires a high finish in the tournament to increase their world ranking and be eligible to participate in the ‘Premier 12’ tournament.
Australia will play their last game of the Opening Round Robin against Venezuela tomorrow at 6:30pm (8:30pm AEST/ 9:30pm AEDT) at Taichung Stadium.
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