Yesterday the Australian team looked like a favourite. Today not so much. They lost a slugfest against Chinese Taipei with the score of 7-8.
Australia scored first and led 3-0 after the top of the second frame. But Taipei answered with seven runs in the next four innings and turned the score to their favour. However the Aussies rallied in the seventh period and tied the game through four runs. Nevertheless the World Cup of Baseball host had one more run in their reservoir. They scored the winning run on a walk off RBI-groundball, who took a funny bounce past the Australian third baseman. Taiwan out hit them 16 to 12.
Ben RISINGER hit a homerun. Gavin FINGLESON, who played two years in the Taiwan Major League, had three hits and three RBIs.
Starting pitcher Adrian BURNSIDE lasted just 3 2/3 innings. He gave up five runs on ten hits. Brendan WISE, Richard THOMPSON and Adam BRIGHT relieved him.
Australia continues their tune-up with games against Italy (Friday) and Cuba (Saturday).
AUS 120 000 400 7 12 1
TAI 011 320 001 8 16 3