What a game to decide the outcome in group B. After the wins by the Netherlands and Korea in the afternoon, the Canadians knew that they had to defeat Australia to advance. However they lost 6-7 with a fight until the last out.
The lead changed back and forth the whole game. So the ninth period began with the score tied at 4-4. The Aussies brought three runs on the board for a 7-4 advantage. Luke HUGHES drove in the first run on a RBI-double into center field. Ben RISINGER followed with a two-run-single to left. But the maple leafs didn’t gave up. They rallied in the bottom of the ninth and scored two runs on RBI-singles by Nick WEGLAZ and Mike SAUNDERS. They loaded the bases with one out after that and pinch hitter Emmanuel GARCIA stepped to the plate. Though he grounded to short for a game-ending double play.
Australia had started the thriller with two runs on a RBI-single by Justin HUBER and a RBI-double by RISINGER. Canada came right back, cut the deficit in the second on a RBI-double by Chris ROBINSON and took a 3-2 advantage in the third on a two-run-single by Jimmy VANORSTRAND. A Glenn WILLIAMS ground out RBI in the sixth tied the game. However the North Americans answered right away and brought the fourth run on the board on a RBI-single by Matt ROGELSTAD. Nevertheless, the Aussies tied it again in the seventh. HUBER’s second RBI-single of the night sends the match into the ninth.
Trent OELTJEN scored three times.
Adrian BURNSIDE allowed seven hits, three runs and two walks in four innings. Adam BRIGHT received the win. Brendan WISE recovered to earn the save.
Jonathan LOCKWOOD gave up three unearned runs on four hits. He struck out four in 5 2/3 innings. Scott RICHMOND took the loss.
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