Jordan McArdle's three run homer set the tone early, as Australia shocked a previously undefeated Dominican Republic to put themselves in a great position to qualify for the Super Round at the U23 World Cup.
McArdle showed why he's a rising star of Australian baseball, clubbing a three-run home run off Dominican starter Wilber Sanchez in the fourth inning.
3-Run HOOOOOOOOME RUN Jordan Mcardle !!!! DOM 2-4 AUS 4th Inning #U23WorldCup @teamausbaseball @fedoberd pic.twitter.com/hmmkqHbYsi
That home run capped off a four-run inning for Australia, after Jack Barrie singled and drove in Zac Shepherd for the team's first run of the ballgame.
Victorian Jeremy Young was spectacular on the mound against a Dominican side that had punished opposition pitching in their first two games, scoring 22 runs.
Team Australia manager Tony Harris was impressed by Young's composure on the mound.
"That's the best I've ever seen Jeremy pitch," Harris said.
"It was fantastic to see him step up, and we executed our plan well against a Dominican side that can really hit the fast-ball. Jeremy changes speeds well, he was outstanding today."
The Dominican Republic threatened immediately after Australia's four run frame, but an inning ending double play kept the momentum in Australia's corner.
With one out and runners and second and third, Aaron Whitefield took a catch in centrefield before unleashing a cannon to Alex Hall behind the plate, gunning out Wadye Infante for the third out.
Out at the Plate !!!!!!!!! Aaron Whitefield #U23WorldCup @teamausbaseball @fedoberd pic.twitter.com/A61r8O3Bv2
Lochlan Southee, Jason Lott and Jack Enciondo held firm on the mound, as Australia inflicted the Dominican Republic's first loss of the U23 World Cup.
Australia's fourth game of the U23 World Cup is against South Korea, with first pitch at 2am AEDST. Head to Team Australia's Facebook page for a LIVE broadcast.