31/07/2023 1 Minute Read

Mexico shut out Australia to earn first win

The 'tricolores' led off with a hit on the game's first pitch and went on to an easy win in five innings against Australia.

World No. 3 Mexico and No. 10 Australia faced elimination at the VII WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup. The tricolores led off with a base hit by second baseman Rodrigo Lopez. It was the first of 17 hits on their way to a 14-0 in five innings.

After Lopez reached, Australia's starter Zavier Leigh walked Carlos Durstewitz, then balked to put the runners in scoring position. Designated hitter Alejandro Arvizu delivered a two-RBI single to put Mexico ahead.

It would have been more than enough to win since Joseph Galvan and Raul Garcia limited Australia to three hits. Mexico's hitters had other ideas. Nine went at-bat in the top of the first, scoring four runs, and they added four in the top of the second on five consecutive two-out hits, including back-to-back doubles by Xavier Herrera and David Rodriguez, off Leigh and reliever Toby Kelman. At that stage, the game was history.

Mexico will face Germany on Day 5, while winless Australia will play Japan.