An outstanding start from Nick Hutchings and Ulrich Bojarski's second home run in as many days lead Australia to a 5-3 win over the Czech Republic at the U23 World Cup overnight.
Hutchings gave Australia the perfect platform, as the Adelaide Bite pitcher tossed 6.2 innings, striking out seven. Despite giving up baserunners in each of the six innings he threw, Hutchings experience came to the fore, as the 2016 U23 World Cup silver medallist kept his cool in multiple pressure situations.
Offensively, it was Detroit Tigers prospect Bojarski who again starred, tagging a ball deep to left-field to cap off a three-run inning for the Australians. Sam Kennelly's leadoff double in the second inning set the platform, with Phillies prospect Mitch Edwards driving him in. From there, it was up to Bojarski, whose second homer sees him leading all-comers in Colombia.
2-Run Home Run Ulrich Bojarksi !!!!!!!!!! @teamausbaseball
LIVE: https://t.co/jtWlSHJhCv #U23WorldCup pic.twitter.com/pEY4FtVMyo
The Czech Republic tacked on two runs in the seventh care of back-to-back hit by pitches, but the bullpen tandem of Jack Enciondo and Lachlan Madden got the job done, despite having Czech runners on base in the final two frames.
Robbie Glendinning finished with three hits and an RBI for Australia, while Mitch Edwards claimed a double, a walk and an RBI.
Australia's next game of the U23 World Cup sees them take on the Dominican Republic at 2am AEDST tomorrow morning. You can watch the game LIVE on Team Australia Baseball's Facebook page.