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The Australian team defeated Canada 5-3 in the opening match of a four-game exhibition series a week before the start of the Olympic Qualifier in Taiwan.
The Maple Leafs scored three runs in the third and fourth period through RBI-doubles by Jeremy WARE and Emmanuel GARCIA in addition to a sac fly by Emerson FROSTAD.But Australia overcame the deficit in the sixth. They batted around and scored five runs to take a 5-3 lead. They tied the game through two bases-loaded walks and a wild pitch. A RBI-groundout by Ben RISINGER and a RBI-single by Joel NAUGHTON sealed the win.
Steve KENT struggled in his start for the Aussies. He allowed three hits, three runs and two base on balls in four innings. Scott MITCHENSON relieved him and received the win, walking two in three hitless innings. Brad TIPPETT finished the game for the save.
James AVERY, Brooks MC NIVEN and Matt TIMMS combined for six one-hit innings for Canada, striking out seven. Aaron WIDEMAN gave up four runs on two hits and three walks in one-plus innings. Steve GREENE also appeared in the game.
Both teams will meet again in Brisbane on Friday, before completing the series in Palm Meadows over the weekend.