Conor MacDonald 2 HRs power No. 13 Australia past No. 15 Panama in U-23 Baseball World Cup

Conor MacDonald 2 HRs power No. 13 Australia past No. 15 Panama in U-23 Baseball World Cup
05/11/2016

World No. 13 Australia defeated No. 15 Panama, 8-4, in a heated Saturday afternoon Super Round contest at Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey.

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Australia, Panama must await outcome of Japan-Mexico match to see which nations will play For the Title of World Champion in Sunday’s Finals.

Box score

MONTERREY, Mexico – World No. 13 Australia defeated No. 15 Panama, 8-4, in a heated Super Round contest Saturday afternoon at Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey.

Houston Astros prospect Connor Macdonald belted two home runs for his nation — a solo home run in the 2nd inning to start the scoring and a 3-run blast that pushed Australia out in front 7-0 in the 5th inning.

The intense battle saw the benches clear twice in the 7th inning after MacDonald was hit by a pitch.

Panama tried to mount a late attack — outhitting Australia 12 to 10 — but the Australia National Team defense used multiple double-plays to limit any major damage.

Australia starting pitcher Daniel Nilsson picked up the win as he worked 4.2 innings. Panama starter Humberto Alberto Mejia Nuñez took the loss after Australia chased him out of the game in the 3rd inning.

Carlos Luis Sanchez Pinto had two RBI for Panama.

Australia (3-2), as well as Panama (3-2), will await the result of the Japan (3-1) v Mexico (2-2) game Saturday night, which will determine Sunday’s World Championship Final and Bronze Medal Final.  Nicaragua (1-3) and Korea (1-3) will also play Saturday evening, and still remain statistically alive to qualify into the Bronze Medal Final.