Australia stage last inning comeback to beat the Netherlands

Australia prevailed against the Netherlands 5-4, following a dramatic three-run finish in the seventh inning that secured their first win in the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup.

The win improved Australia's record to 1-2 in Group A that gives them a fair chance to compete for a spot in the Super Round.

The two sides were evenly matched, which resulted to an exciting encounter down to the last play of the game

Australia scored against Klevert Martina with shortstop Jarryd Dale, who led off the game with a double.

The Netherlands came back against Liam Evans in the bottom of the second, making the most of a defensive error and a base hit by DH Lenin Ashby.

Third baseman Clayton Campbell put Australia ahead with an RBI double in the fourth, but the lead wiped out in the bottom half of the frame when Jeandro Tromp gave the Netherlands the lead with a two-RBI double.

The Dutch took the lead into the seventh and gave the ball to Jorgenj Casimiri, their best reliever, but things did not work out planned as Australia tied it on a base hit by second baseman Travis Bazzana snatching the lead on a bloop single by Dale.

Dutch manager Nigel De Jong tried to stop the bleeding, but first baseman Rixon Taylor Wingrove got to new reliever Nigel Calmes with an RBI double that made it 5-3.

Despite the two-run gap, the Dutch didn't give up. Shrvyen Newton batted in the fourth run, and the Netherlands loaded the bases against Jacob Green.

The game ended on a swinging bunt by Kaeber Rog. Catcher Alex Hall tagged for the final out Darryl Collins, who was on his way to score the tying run.

Australia improved their record to 1-2, while the Netherlands dropped to 1-3.