Branlyn Jaraba's four-RBI day leads Colombian win over Australia
The third baseman hit a two-run home run and a bases-loaded double. Australia had the potential tying run at bat in the bottom of the seventh. Both teams are out of the medal round.
Branlyn Jaraba's four RBIs powered Colombia's 8-6 win over Australia in the Super Round of the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup on Friday.
Jaraba put Colombia ahead with a two-run homer in the second and hit a bases-loaded double in a four-run fifth at-bat that would provide enough runs to protect Colombia's bullpen from an Australian comeback.
Jaraba homered off Dylan Clarke as the third hitter of the game and designated hitter Bryan Buelva added a two-RBI double in the top of the second.
Australia struck back in the bottom half of the frame, hitting five singles against Victor Vargas, as right fielder Travis Bazzana and shortstop Jarryd Dale had RBI hits. Australia would go on to outhit Colombia 12-7, but not enough to make an upset.
Australia made it a one-run game thanks to Dale's second RBI-hit of the day in the bottom of the fourth.
Colombia took the final lead in the top of the fifth against right-hander Jayden Bastow, the third Australian pitcher, who allowed a leadoff double to shortstop Hector Martinez. He then walked Buelvas and hit second baseman Carlos Arroyo, setting the scene for Jaraba.
Two runs were scored on Jaraba's double and a third came on a bad relay allowing him to score the eighth run on a sacrifice fly.
Australia got to reliever Luis Arrieta in the bottom of the seventh. Catcher Alex Hall doubled, and designated hitter Mitchell Edwards followed with an RBI single. Arrieta walked third baseman Clayton Campbell and center Solomon Maguire cleared the bases with a triple.
Colombia made a quick call to the bullpen for José Altamiranda. Left fielder Tyson Zamora, representing the potential tying run, worked the count full, then struck out looking at a breaking ball to end the game.
World No. 11 Colombia will finish their Super Round run against No. 3 Korea on Saturday at 10.00 local time, while No. 10 Australia will play their last game against No. 2 Chinese Taipei at 19.00.
Managers David Nilsson (left) and Jorge Cortes exchange lineups
Dylan Clarke took the mound for Australia
Colombia was off a strong start at bat
Branlyn Jaraba touches home after his two-run home run in the second
Colombia celebrate the lead
Tyson Zamora chasing the long ball
Victor Vargas allowed 3 runs over four innings
Australia came within one run, then Colombia scored four in the top of the fifth
The four runs gave Colombia a comfortable lead
Jaraba cleared the bases with a triple
Solomon Maguire tripled in the sevent to make it 8-6
Jose Altamiranda got the final out of the game on strikes