Australia’s pitchers star, Japan is out
World number one Japan is out of the medal round. The Samurai took an early lead, but Australia came back, scored four in the second inning and relied on a brilliant day of its pitching staff to secure a spot in the bronze medal game
Australia entered the top of the second trailing 1-0, scored four runs and then relied on its pitchers to beat Japan 4-1. Starter Brendan Bidois pitched three innings of three-hit ball, reliever Jack Lee took care of four outs and Kieren Hall got the final two, the last one on strikes, on hitters that represented the potential tying run. Australia will compete for a bronze medal, Japan is out.
Brandan Bidois pitched 7 strong innings for Australia
Brandan Bidois wasn’t off a very good start. He hit Ryusei Takeoka with one out in the bottom of the first, then he allowed a base hit to Yuya Nirasawa and advanced the runners on a wild pitch. Japan scored the go ahead run on a ground out.
Bidois will make it through seven innings allowing only two more hits.
The starting pitcher could work on a three-run lead that Australia built in the top of the second. Byron Armstrong singled off starter Sota Asada and Jake Burns drove him to third on another base-hit. Liam MC Donald singled in the tying runand Asada walked the bases loaded. Travis Bazzana singled to give Australia the lead and Japan gave the call to Uito Mae in the bullpen. The newcomer was affected by a defensive error that allowed Australia to add two more.
Jack Lee relieved Bidois in the bottom of the eighth. He allowed back to back walks in the bottom of the ninth and left for Kieren Hall.
The newcomer retired Haruki Yokoama on a fly to right and ended the game striking out Jo Endo with a breaking ball.
