Florian Kawczynski helps Germany shut out South Africa
Florian Kawczynski dominated the mound to help Germany earn their first win, 10-0, against South Africa. They took the lead in the first and did not look back.
Germany starting pitcher Florian Kawczynski shut out South Africa, pitching six innings and striking out eight, allowing only four hits and three walks to rally their first win in the IV WBSC Baseball World Cup that ended with a 10-0 score.
The Group A encounter on Sunday, put Germany and South Africa in a position to record their first victory in the tournament after two losing starts. Germany scored early and closed it in six innings.
Finn Bergmann singled in the first run for Germany in the bottom of the first, presenting the whole lineup at-bat and adding two more runs that extended the lead to 3-0.
In the third frame, Alexander Schmidt singled to right field, sending Bergmann to the home plate. The German lead was extended to 5-0 as Paul Wittmann scored on a walk.
Simon Baumer doubled home David Grimes to start the sixth, then two more runs were scored off errors. Maurice Bendrien’s sacrifice fly and Simon Liedtke’s single to right field drove in the last two runs.
Starter Jaryd White went five innings. South Africa used three relievers but couldn't stop Germany from ending the game for the run-difference rule.
Germany are tied with Venezuela with 1-2 win-loss cards and are still in the running to qualify for the Super Round. Venezuela and Germany will face each other on Monday at 10.00 local time. Meanwhile, South Africa will play hosts Chinese Taipei at 19.00.
Germany starting pitcher Florian Kawczynski earned Germany the first win
South Africa starting pitcher Jaryd White
South Africa enjoyed the vibe before the game
Germany Cody Schultz slid on base
Both teams wanted this win badly, showing the spirit
Germany David Dinski scored a run in the sixth
Germany David Grimes scored the first run in the sixth
South Africa defended hardly
Germany catcher Maurice Bendrien stopped a run from succeeding
Germany Simon Baumer fist-bumped with teammates after he scored a run