AUSTRALIA CRUSHES CHINESE TAIPEI

The Australia Women’s Baseball Team have continued to dominate their opposition at the World Cup in Japan, easily accounting for Chinese Taipei 12-0 on day 2 of the tournament.

Led by 2007 Women’s player of the year, Simone Wearne, the Aussies remained in control of a tight contest until the score blew out courtesy of 10 unanswered runs over the final two frames.

Wearne, who struck out four on her way to a 3-hit complete-game shutout, continued to live up to her “Ace” status on the Australian staff, and currently leads all World Cup pitchers in Wins, Strikeouts and ERA.

The right hander’s mastery on the hill was matched only by the persistent dominance of Australian offence that pounded out 10 hits and saw six different players drive in runs.

Christina Kreppold, Angela Catford, Katie Gaynor and Kelly Manzie all managed two hits apiece, bolstering the Aussies combined team average to a staggering .474 after two games.

Equally impressive was the flawless Australian defence that has committed only one error in the tournament thus far.

The win takes Australia to 2-0 and also guarantees them a place in the tournament’s 2^nd qualifying round - reserved for the top four teams at the World Cup.

The Aussie will join Japan (2-0) and the U.S.A (2-0) with the final spot to be determined by today’s match-up between Canada and Korea in Pool B.

While the Aussies have safely advanced to the next round, they must first take on the might of the U.S.A in their final preliminary round game.

Fresh off a crushing 27-0 victory of baseball newcomers India, the U.S.A will enter the game on a high for a contest that will determine top billing in Pool A.