Huber sparks Aussie offence in Game Three
Kingsley Collins, Wednesday, 18 February 2009 Showing some great hitting form during the Victorian leg of the “Friendly” series, Justin Huber was the catalyst as Australia thumped Chinese Taipei 9-3 in Game Three at Waverley this evening....
AUSTRALIA 9 defeated CHINESE TAIPEI 3
Sporting a "new look" for this game with their grey strip, Australia opened scoring hostilities with one in the first, compliments of a Risinger single that scored Roneberg, even though three runners were subsequently stranded on base. But the game was blown open in the third as Huber launched a home run over the leftfield wall and the Taiwanese conceded a third run for the innings on an error.
Yu-Cheng Liao started for Chinese Taipei (Game Three images supplied by Richard Mason)
After that it was one-way traffic. Although Chinese Taipei hit back with two in the equaliser, the Aussie big guns were merciless in blasting another two in the fourth and two in the sixth before Huber capped off the evening with a monster solo blast into the gum trees at rightfield in the top of eight, despite a leftfield shot by Yi-Chuan Lin in response.
While Huber’s effort was outstanding – as Chinese Taipei tried five of its best on the hill – he had plenty of support from Brett Roneberg (two hits), Chris Snelling (two hits), Ben Risinger (two hits and two RBIs) and Michael Collins (two RBIs).
James Beresford tees off (Game Three images supplied by Richard Mason)
The Australians played errorless defence and again availed themselves of the opportunity to expose a number of players to this level of baseball. Grant Karlsen and Scott Wearne again shared catching duties, Scott Moore hit the ball cleanly and had a solid half-game at shortstop, while eighteen year-old Blake Cunningham had an innings on the mound.
Adam Blackley started for Australia and, although not quite at his best - in conceding two runs - will be better for the outing. Western Australian Liam Hendricks was impressive over two, while Ryan Searle, Adam Bright and Cunningham all chipped in with some work before Russell Spear closed out the last.
The win in itself was of little consequence, but the manner in which Australia went about its work was impressive again, with at least a half of the Chinese Taipei squad expected to play in the World Baseball Classic and the Aussies able to exercise a similar dominance as they did in Game One.
Support from the passionate Taiwanese baseball community was fantastic – again - in helping to create a real atmosphere for this game.
Baseball interests are urged to come out and show their support on Thursday evening, with the final international scheduled to be played at Napier Park, Glen Waverley, starting at 5 pm.
For those who cannot make it to the game, Baseball Radio National will again be providing live coverage. Baseball Radio apologises to those people who have found it difficult to connect on-line. The situation has been unavoidable and has come about because of massive internet traffic connecting out of Chinese Taipei, the United States and Europe. 3SER, Frita, Skinny, James and technical support are working on resolving this issue in conjunction with governing bodies.
Game Three PLAY BY PLAY.
Game Two PLAY BY PLAY. Game Two MATCH REPORT.
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