Australia carry momentum in win over Puerto Rico

After an intense first game victory against the Netherlands on Tuesday, Australia carried their momentum into their game with Puerto Rico on the same day to win 8-0 and stay in contention for the qualification to the Super Round of the IV WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup

The Australians were off to an impressive start as they silenced Puerto Rico with six runs in the first two at bats for the statement win in Group B.

Australia took advantage of the struggle of Puerto Rican starting pitcher Luis Gonzalez with control, as Alex Hall batted in teh first run and two more runs came on a double by designated hitter Travis Bazzana.

Gonzalez did not finish the first inning and his reliever Jerryell Rivera also suffered the same problem as he walked two of the first three batters he faced in the second with Australia thriving on the mishaps. A single by right fielder Chris Burke and a double by red-hot Hall scored three more runs.

Australia starter Jack Waters had a comfortable lead to work with and took advantage of Puerto Rico's struggles on both offence and defence. He played in five innings, allowing only three hits.

His relievers, Joseph Ranford and Jayden Bastow, had an even bigger lead since Australia added a couple of runs in the bottom of the fifth on a base hit by left fielder Tyson Zamora and a groundout.

Australia and Puerto Rico are now tied at 2-2 with Mexico, with Cuba and the Netherlands trailing at 1-3, presenting a scenario that five teams could still aim for the remaining two spots in the Super Round.