Jordan McArdle’s 3-run homer guides Australia to victory over Dominican Republic

A solid work by the pitchers and a 3-run homer by Jordan McArdle were the difference in the first match of the third day of the U-23 Baseball World Cup, where Australia clinched a fundamental triumph against the Dominican Republic, 4-3.

Australian pitcher Jeremy Young had struck out the first four batters he faced in the game, until Martin Taveras showed up at the plate. With a 0-1 count, the designated hitter connected a nice homer in the right field to give the advantage to his team.

In the fourth inning Dominican Republic added one more run with a sacrifice fly from Taveras, after Wendell Rijo and Eguy Rosario got on base with two consecutive bunts.

However, Australia answered in the fourth inning, scored its four runs of the game and took a definite lead in the match. Zachary Shepherd walked and Samuel Kennelly hit a double to left field that crashed into the fence and was about to leave the park, leaving runners in second and third. Jack Barry drove the first run of his team with a single, and then McArdle hit a long, three-run homer to right field, to put Australia in front of the score.

In the eighth episode, the Dominican Republic quickly put runners on the corners, with no outs, with a double by Rijo and a single by Rosario. However, Ariel Cruz hit into double play, and while Rijo scored from third, the Australian team left the inning with minimal damage and came with the advantage to the last episode.

The closer Jack Enciondo took the ball in the ninth and retired in line to the Dominican hitters to put the game in the pocket and clinch his second save of the tournament.

Young had an outstanding opening and ended with the victory, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs in 5.2 innings, with 8 strikeouts and 1 ticket.

The loss was for Dominican starter Wilber Perez who in 3.2 innings allowed 5 hits and 4 runs, with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.

With this result both teams are matched with a record of 2 victories and 1 loss. Tomorrow Australia will face Korea at 10 o’clock. While the Dominicans will play against Venezuela at 15 hs.