After a disappointing loss to host nation Mexico yesterday, Australia bounced back early against Korea, and held on after a tough fightback from Korea, defeating the Asian nation 9-7.
Australia came out of the blocks with intent, scoring four runs in the opening inning. Canberra Cavalry star Robbie Perkins claimed two of the four RBIs with a double that almost cleared the fence for a home run.
Connor Macdonald and Guy Edmonds added to the Australian advantage in the second with both claiming RBI singles to extend Australia’s lead.
After a pair of scoreless innings to start the ballgame, the Korean hitters began the fightback, pulling four runs off Australian starter Nick Hutchings in the third.
Korea regained the lead in the fifth inning with a RBI double, setting up an eventful final few innings.
Those final few innings were highlighted by a solo shot from Robbie Perkins in the seventh which gave Australia a one run advantage with a couple of innings to play.
A base hit stretched into a double by the red-hot Jacob Younis ended up with Younis standing at third after the second baseman dropped the ball attempting to make the tag. From there, it was up to Younis’ Sydney Blue Sox team mate Zac Shepherd to drive him in and extend Australia’s advantage to two runs.
Josh Guyer proved a hero late, with the right-handed reliever only allowing one hit and striking out four Korean hitters in his second relief appearance this tournament.
Australia’s final game of the Super Round is against the #1 seed Panama, with a victory required to have any chance of qualifying for the Championship Game. First pitch is scheduled for 4am AEDST.
Click here for the full box score.
