Aussie pitchers rack up seven strikeouts in win over New Zealand

Three Australian pitchers combined for seven strikeouts to help record a 17-2 win against New Zealand in their first game in the Placement Round of the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup on Thursday.

Australia outhit New Zealand 14-5, and their pitchers had a solid outing.

The Australians presented their whole lineup at-bat twice and rallied for 13 runs in the first.

At the top of the second, Harrison Thomas-McLean doubled to right field, driving Litsu Tamura home. He later added another run, extending the lead to 15-0.

New Zealand did not give up and in the top of the third, they turned a swift 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. Australia, however, added a run, making it 16-0.

At the bottom of the third, Yuto Ikeda doubled to right centre, driving in New Zealand’s first run of the game, and later added another run, cutting the deficit to 16-2.

When Australia added one more run in the top of the fourth, they were three outs away from the 15-run rule in four innings, and their reliever Oliver Allen finished the game with two strikeouts and one ground-out, 17-2.

Australia starter Zavier Leigh, relievers Hugh Kelly and Oliver Allen struck out seven, allowing five hits and one walk, securing the run for Australia.

Australia landed their first win in the tournament and now has a 1-2 record in the Placement Round, while New Zealand are still winless.