AUS 000 000 000 0 4 2 TAI 040 000 10X 5 7 1
Chinese Taipei made a big step towards a berth at the Olympics in Beijing. They defeated Australia 5-0 and are now in third place right behind Canada, which has the tiebreaker on their side.
The Taiwanese offense needed one inning to get going. They scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a commanding lead. Chun-Chang YEH hit a RBI-single for the first run. Chih-Sheng LIN reached home on a botched double play. Chieh-Ming CHANG and Che-Hsuan LIN followed with RBI-doubles.
They added an insurance run in the seventh, when Chen-Min PENG scored through a wild pitch.
Combined with a strong effort by starting pitcher Chien-Fu YANG, the host of the Final Olympic Qualifying Tournament was unstoppable on Wednesday. YANG threw a complete game shutout. He only gave up four singles and struck out six, while walking none.
The Aussies had sent Paul MILDREN out to start the match. He was charged with six hits, four runs and two base on balls in five innings. Liam HENDRICKS struck out five in the remaining three frames.
They are now 2-3, with games against Spain and South Africa left. They have the tiebreaker against Canada and Germany on their side. The two Asian teams would be placed in front of them, if they are tied in the standings.