Preview: Australia aiming to re-write history against the US

After a stunning victory over Japan last night, no. 2 ranked USA (1-2) will continue their WBSC Premier12 campaign with a game against no. 7 ranked Australia (0-3) at the Tokyo Dome.

At Olympic/World Cup competition, the US are unbeaten in all nine games against Australia. Their last meeting came in the second round of the 2011 World Cup, with the US claiming a 2-1 win.

The US used a strong team pitching performance and a late homer from Jo Adell to seal their first Super Round victory against Japan. Japan threatened late, but the US held on for a 4-3 win.

Australia were defeated for the second time in as many Super Round games, this time at the hands of Mexico – who remain the only unbeaten team at the 2019 Premier12. Darryl George went 2-for-3 against Mexico, while Robert Glendinning and Robbie Perkins claimed a hit apiece.

Tanner Houck was slated to start against Japan yesterday, but was substituted last-minute for Penn Murfee. Houck is scheduled to start today’s game against Australia, after giving up two earned runs in his first outing of the Premier12 against Mexico.

Tim Atherton will make his third start of the Premier12 against the US, after appearing against Korea and Canada in the Opening Round. Atherton has struggled to find his rhythm, allowing three earned runs in 3.2 innings of work.

First pitch from the Tokyo Dome is scheduled for 12:00 JST.