South Africa 104 003 001 9 11 0 New Zealand 000 200 000 2 5 1
South Africa has followed Australia into the final of the World Baseball Classic Qualifier in Sydney, Australia. They took a quick 5-0 lead after three innings en route to a 9-2 win over New Zealand on Saturday evening at Blacktown Sportspark. Only the winner of the final on Sunday will advance to the main tournament of the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Kyle Botha led the way for RSA with three RBI. Keegan Swanepoel went 4-for-5 with two RBI. Anthony Phillips scored three times. Moko Moanaroa doubled and drove in two for the Kiwis.
Jared Elario pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing two hits, two runs and five walks in 4 1/3 innings to pick up the win. John Lee got charged with the loss, conceding three hits, two runs and three base on balls in two-plus innings.
New Zealand is now the second team to get eliminated from the WBC Qualifier in Sydney. The Philippines took their second loss on Friday to finish in fourth place in the final standings. New Zealand will be third.