ESP 000 000 000 0 1 2 AUS 330 300 00X 9 14 0
The Aussies scored three runs in three of the first four frames and defeated Spain by a score of 9-0. They now have to hope for a loss of Canada in the night session.
Ben RISINGER, Brendan KINGMAN and Luke HUGHES had RBI-singles in the first to take a fast 3-0 lead.
They added three more in the second through a two-run-homerun by RISINGER and a second RBI-single of KINGMAN.
After a scoreless frame they scored another three in the fourth. RISINGER got his fourth RBI with a single. KINGMAN’s third RBI-single made it 8-0. HUGHES followed with another RBI-single. Afterwards the Australian offense stopped scoring.
Spain never got going. Dewis NAVARRO had a single in the second, which counted for the only hit of the game for them.
Starter Greg WILTSHIRE struck out four in four one-hit innings. Chris MODWAY, Mark KELLY and Brendan WISE completed the one-hitter.
Yoel HERNANDEZ (L 0-2) didn’t match his performance from the loss against Germany. He was charged with eight hits, eight runs (5 ER) and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. Jorge BALBOA stopped the bleeding with a solid effort over the course of 4 2/3 innings of relief. He allowed just one run on five hits and three base on balls.
Australia meets with South Africa on Friday. Spain plays against Mexico.