TAICHUNG CITY STADIUM. Australia scored four runs in the first en route to a 9-4 victory over Colombia, as the XXVI 18U Baseball World Cup in Taichung finally got underway after two straight rained out days. Colombia was able to cut the deficit to a run after four innings, but the team from Down Under added five more runs afterwards to seal the deal.
Australia was paced by outfielders James Phillibossian and Jason Warburton, which combined to drive in six of the nine runs. Ryan Dale crossed the plate three times after reaching base in five of his six plate appearances. Ronaldo Hernandez, Roberto Medina, Meibrys Viloria and Fabian Nieva scored for Colombia.
On the mound the Australian coaching staff spread the work-load on three shoulders. Nicholas Hutchings issued two hits, three runs and three walks in 4 1/3 innings. Keiran McClusky conceded two hits and a run in 3 2/3 innings afterwards. Shaun Wright closed it out with a scoreless ninth. Argemiro Estremor got charged with five hits, four runs and two walks in four innings to take the loss.
Australia is now taking on defending champion USA on Monday afternoon at Intercontinental Stadium. Colombia will play at the same time against Korea at Dou-Liou.
