By Nina Zimmerman
26 of Australia’s best young talent continue to impress at Spring Training in Florida.
The team won their opening two games against the European All-Stars. Starting pitcher Max Barrett allowed one hit in his five innings on the mound as Australia shut out Europe 7-0 in the first game. The Aussie side continued to dominate the European All-Stars in the second game, winning 7-3. Western Australian lefty Josh Hendrickson struck out six batters in five innings of one-hit shutout baseball, and NSW's Ben Tsui led the offence with a two-out bases-loaded double in the eight inning that put the game out of reach for the Europeans. The Aussie Young Guns were rained out of Game 3 against Canada.
A days rest saw the opportunity to catch up with several Australian MLB Alumni - including All-Star closer Grant Balfour and current Detroit Tigers prospect Warwick Saupold - over dinner (pictured), providing the U18 team with a great chance to learn from Australia’s best at how to prepare yourself for the Big Leagues.
Then the highlight of the trip so far, Game 3, resumed with a trip to Fort Myers to take on the Boston Red Sox Extended Spring Training squad. With several pitchers throwing 95 plus mph, Australia jumped ahead to an early 3-0 lead by the fourth inning. WA's Mitch Neunborn got the starting nod for the Aussies, tossing six shutout innings and allowing two hits while striking out seven batters.
On the mound for Australia, Neunborn, Josh Robins, Brodie Cooper-Vassalakis and Jack O'Loughlin allowed just five combined hits and walked none over the course of the nine-inning ballgame. In the end the Young Australian side grafted out a 6-3 win in a gritty display.
To view full score sheets and other game updates, follow Baseball Australia on twitter @BaseballAust.