Australia had a good offensive performance and defeated Argentina in the second day of competition in Prince Albert to remain at the top of the standings in Group A. The Aussie “Junior Steelers” scored four in the top of the fifth inning to secure the win.
Australia jumped ahead in the score in the first inning, with a two run home run by Michael Ludkin. Argentine defense retired the first two outs of the inning, but then a hit by pitch extended the inning and bring Ludkin to the batters box.
Argentina tied the game in the third inning on a one out, bases-loaded RBI single off the bat of Tomas Machuca. Gian Scialacomo reached on an infield hit, Ignacio Sangoy walked and Alejo Muñoz was hit by pitch to set the table for Machuca.
But these runs were the only damage the South American team could made against the lefty Shaun Lanaghan, who fanned 7 and allowed 5 hits and 3 walks in a complete game effort to earn his first win of the tournament.
The Aussies regained the lead in the top of the fourth inning. With a runner on second base, Dawson Summers hit the first pitch to the left field for an RBI double, to make the score 3-2.
And one inning later they opened the gap with RBIs by Blake Jackson, Ludkin and Bolton Nussbaum, who later scored on a wild pitch.
In the bottom of the seventh Argentina tried to react, putting two runners on the bases, but couldn’t score any run. Agustin Gomez singled, and Gian Scialacomo reached on an error. But then Lanaghan closed the door with a strikeout and a fly to second base to end the match.
After two days of competition Australia, Japan and Mexico remain at the top of the Group B with two wins, while Argentina is still winless after two games. Full standings here.
Tomorrow Australians will play against Denmark at 12:30 local time. Argentina will face South Africa, at 17:30.
You can see the full schedule here.
