SAF 200 100 000 3 3 0 GER 001 002 10X 4 10 1
Nobody would have thought that the German team is still alive after four game days. But they are. They overcame a 1-3 deficit to defeat South Africa 4-3. It is their second win of the tournament.
However it was not an easy victory. South Africa started strong and scored two runs in the top of the first through two RBI-singles by Brett WILLENBURG andWilliam LIEBENBERG, taking advantage of some control issues by starter Manuel MOELLER. Kai GRONAUER put Germany back into the game with a RBI-single to score Sascha LUTZ, who had reached with a double.
But the African representative answered right away and got the old two-run lead again, Brendon MITCHELL reached home on a wild pitch by reliever Martin ALMSTETTER. Though it was not over. Germany rallied in the sixth, loading the bases with no outs. They tied the game through a sacrifice fly of Michael FRANKE and a perfect squeeze bunt to first base by Andy JANZEN.
One period later Dominik WULF (2-4) reached base on a single, advanced to third though a wild pitch and a sac bunt. A moment later he scored the go-ahead run through a single by the Cincinnati Reds prospect Donald LUTZ.
Ludwig GLASER (LA Angels) had two hits and a walk.
MOELLER was charged with three hits, two runs and four walks in 2 2/3 innings, striking out three. Dirk FRIES received the win after 3 1/3 no-hit-one-walk innings of relief. South Africa had a runner on second in the ninth with two outs after a throwing error. But FRIES came right back and closed out the game with his third strikeout.
South African starter Jared ELARIO was responsible for six hits, three runs and four walks in five innings. Garth TERRY took the loss.
Tuesday is of in Taiwan. Germany has games left against South Korea, Canada and Mexico.
Photo: © International Baseball Federation (www.ibaf.tv)
Nice job! Let’s go, Germany!