Australia outplay Chinese Taipei in final game of Super Round
Australia took advantage of four walks allowed by Chinese Taipei starter Chen Wei Lin and held on to the lead, delivering a solid performance in pitching and defence.
Australia displayed a reliable performance in pitching and defence to stage a 3-0 upset on World No. 2 Chinese Taipei in the Super Round of the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup on Saturday.
Both Chinese Taipei and Australia did not have solid hitting performances in the encounter, considering the result of the game would not change their standing in the tournament. However, the pitchers deserved credit in the Australian victory.
Chen Wei Lin's pitching was down, as he issued four walks and could not get through the first inning. Australia scored twice without getting a hit, forcing Chinese Taipei to go to the bullpen and hand the ball to Yan Fong Lai.
Lai and Ding Hong Guo, who took care of the sixth and the seventh, didn't allow a hit while getting on strikes seven of the nine outs they combined.
Australia got to Yan Cheng Wang in the top of the fifth with a single by catcher Alex Hall, and an RBI double by designated hitter Mitchell Edwards. It was all the offence on display at Tianmu Stadium.
Ky Jackson earned the win by throwing four perfect innings and Jack Waters who started for Australia allowed one hit and two walks.
Chinese Taipei will play for the bronze medal on Sunday at 14:30 local time against No. 4 Mexico.
Lin Chen Wei was not in his best night
The Chinese Taipei starter had control issues
He failed to complete an inning and left
Jack Waters pitched three solid innings for Australia
Australia score two runs without a hit in the first
Yan Fong Lai was the second Chinese Taipei pitcher
Getting some help from his defence
Yue Ku Lin displays his athletics skills
Chinese Taipei had only one hit but played solid defence