Australia "flat" in Game 3 loss to the USA
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On Wednesday morning, Australia – playing their second match in just over 12 hours - took on the USA at 10am at Tien-Mou Stadium. And the Roos were looking for their 3rd win from 3 matches after their superb effort the previous night against Chinese Taipei.
Alisa Ruggiero started on the mound for the Roos and was strong across 4.2 innings, although a few lapses in the field was enough for the US to gain the advantage plating 4 runs across the first 3 innings. Another 3 in the 5th was enough to seal the match. Only 4 of the US 7 runs were earned.
16 year old USA starter Jennifer Hunter held the Aussies to only 2 hits for the match. A 2-out 3rd inning double by Amy McCann knocked in Shae Lillywhite who reached on a walk, while in the 4th inning, a lead off triple by right fielder Brooke Maclean - who later scored on passed ball - were the only times Australia troubled the scorers.
Coach Kane Longstaff was disappointed with the loss.
“It was tough for our team to back up after last nights game, but to only have 2 hits across 7 innings after how we have been hitting over the past week was disappointing’. Kane said.
“Unlike last night, we did not play with spark and this lack of energy really cost us and the US took advantage.”
Team MVP: Alisa Ruggiero and Amy McCann.
In other Day 3 games, Chinese Taipei cruised passed Hong Kong 21-0, while Japan continued their strong form easily accounting for Cuba 15-0 .
In Day 4 action, the US takes on Hong Kong at 10am; Australia meets Cuba at 2.30pm, with tournament frontrunners Japan and Canada meeting in the nightcap at 6.30pm.
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