Kronk homer tops 10-run first inning in Australian 15-0 win over South Africa

Marshall Kronk’s home run closed a 10-run surge in the opening inning that propelled Australia to a 15-0 victory in three innings over South Africa on Tuesday at the XVII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup.

Australia batters pretty much put everything into an offensive highlights reel, including Kronk’s homer and the two RBIs by Riley James and Hayden Mathews.

Back-to-back homers closed the game in the third inning, courtesy of James Todhunter and Julian Jemmott. Todhunter, who had an RBI in the first, was attributed with two off his home run in third.

Australia started off quickly against South Africa both in the batters box and in the pitcher's circle. Callum Beashel opened the scoring for Australia, as his teammates Todhunter, O’Byrne and Kronk advanced to load the bases. James single put O’Byrne and Todhunter on the home plate and Jemott to third base.

As Matthew Harrow moved to first on a walk, Jemmott scored with James and Jack Burt moving to third and second. They eventually scored when Mathews singled through the left side, with Matthew Harrow in second.

Mathews and Harrow completed the next two runs, followed by Kronk’s homer with Beashel in tow to complete the last two runs at the top of the opening inning 10-0.

Adam Folkard likewise played solid for Australia in the pitcher's circle, with a no hitter in the first inning.

Australia made two further runs courtesy of Jemmott and Burt, while O’Byrne’s diving catch highlighted Australia’s defence to make another quick end to South Africa’s stint in the second frame.

Todhunter and O’Byrne scored two runs on the former’s homer and extended the lead to 14-0, until Jemmott’s home run sealed Australia’s fourth victory in group play at 15-0.