The Australians beat South Korea in a duel between two 3-1 clubs in group B by a score of 2-1. And how could it be different? They needed another walk-off-hit. They had started the World Cup of Baseball in Taipei with three such games, before the crushing of Thailand occurred on Saturday. But on Sunday they were back in their mode.
The people in Taipei at the Tien-Mou Stadium saw a exiting pitchers duel over the first five frames. Both starters threw perfect for three and allowed just six hits in the first five and a half innings. Korea loaded the bases in the top of the fifth but failed to drove a runner in.
Australia had just two hits, when Luke HUGHES stepped to the plate to lead off the bottom of the sixth. He ripped the ball over the wall in left field for a 1-0 lead. The answer of the Korean team followed immediately. After two quick ground outs in the top of the seventh, Si Hyun SON reached base on a line drive into right field and scored through a double by San SONG to tie the game.
The match up went into the bottom of the ninth. Justin HUBER reached second base on a double with one out. One strikeout later, it was the turn for Ben RISINGER to bat. He hit the ball over the head of the center fielder to bring HUBER home with a walk-off RBI-single. The Aussies are now 4-1 and in pretty good shape to advance into the next round. Korea is now one of three teams in pool B with a 3-2 record and they are in danger to miss the quarterfinals.
Boston Red Sox prospect Adam BLACKELY (AUS) allowed one run on six hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out four. Reliever Adam BRIGHT received the win.
Won Jun CHANG was the starter for Korea. He gave up four hits and a run in seven strong innings. He punched out six. Doo Sung HWANG relieved him and took the loss.
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