Mexico stays in hunt after defeating Australia
MEX 100 020 031 7 11 1 AUS 000 102 010 4 11 1
Sometimes an ejection of a manager gives extra motivation for a squad. The Mexican skipper Jose FRANCO was sent to the clubhouse in the fifth for arguing a non-balk-call. Moments later his team took a 3-1 lead. Australia eventually tied the game. But Mexico stayed aggressive and scored the go-ahead runs in the eighth to take a 7-4 victory against the Aussies.
It was a much-needed win for them. But it was by no means easy. Australia came back two times to tie the score. Mexico went up in front through a sac fly by Luis GARCIA (2-3) in the first. The Aussies answered with a RBI-single by Andrew UTTING in the fourth.
In the aforementioned fifth period Carlos VALENCIA (3-4), led off with a double off the left field wall. Australians pitcher Adam Blackley tried to pick him off, which caused the ejection of FRANCO. After a sac bunt, they loaded the bases. A groundout by Heber GOMEZ (2-5) and a passed ball were responsible for the two runs.
But Australia rallied again. Tom BRICE cut the deficit to one run with a RBI-double and scored the third run on a RBI-single by Luke HUGHES (3-3, BB).
But then came the eighth. Adam BRIGHT, who impressed with two perfect innings on Sunday, replaced Liam HENDRICKS. In difference to the game against Canada, BRIGHT was very much hittable. Mexico loaded the bases again and pinch runner Geronimo GIL forced in a run, when a pitch hit him. They added two more through a RBI-single by VALENCIA and a fielder’s choice by Jose RODRIGUEZ.
The silver medallist from 2004 tried to come back a third time in the bottom of the frame. HUGHES provided his second RBI-single of the day but was stranded on first.
Mexico added another insurance run in the ninth to build up the advantage again. Ivan TERRAZAS sealed the win with a RBI-single. Closer Rafael DIAZ came in and completed the game with two strikeouts and an easy popup to short.
Javier LOPEZ started for the North Americans. He allowed three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings, striking out six. Jose SILVA relieved him and got the win.
BLACKLEY, who is in the Red Sox organization, impressed with nine strikeouts in five innings. But the southpaw also gave up five hits and three runs (2 ER) in his start. Fellow lefty BRIGHT took the loss.
Tuesday is off for both teams.
