Preview: Mexico, Australia set for Super Round battle at Tokyo Dome
No. 6 ranked Mexico (2-0) are aiming to keep their perfect tournament alive when they meet no. 7 ranked Australia (0-2) in WBSC Premier12 Super Round action from the Tokyo Dome today.
After an undefeated opening round in Guadalajara, Mexico maintained their undefeated record with a 2-0 win over no. 4 ranked Chinese Taipei yesterday. Catcher Ali Solis broke the scoreless deadlock with a solo homer off Chiang Shao-Ching in the bottom of the fifth.
Mexico's pitching and defence has been outstanding at this year's Premier12, conceding five runs in their four games.
After coming off a solid outing in his Premier12 2019 debut, Eduardo Vera will start for Mexico against Australia. The right-hander allowed one run in four innings of work against the Dominican Republic. After giving up a run in the first inning, Vera retired eight of the next 10 Dominican hitters he faced.
Australia held a lead against no. 1 ranked Japan until the bottom of the seventh inning, but eventually fell 3-2 in their Super Round opener in Chiba. Tim Kennelly and Mitch Nilsson drove in an RBI each, but it wasn't enough, as a bases loaded walk and a squeeze play saw Japan come away with the narrow win.
Josh Guyer will make his second start of the Premier12 against Mexico today, after striking out five and only allowing one hit against Cuba in the Opening Round.
First pitch from the Tokyo Dome is scheduled for 12:00 JST.