NO MERCY FOR MEXICO

Australia showed Mexico no mercy this evening in their first game of the 2009 World Baseball Classic, clasping a 17-7 victory over their host nation, a win that saw the mercy rule invoked to end the game in the eight inning.

With 22 hits, the Australian line-up set a new WBC record, exceeding Team USA's previous WBC record of 18 hits, a benchmark that was set in 2006.

In a game where no one gave Australia a chance to win, the Australians proved once again that team work, determination and aussie pride can prevail.

Outlined below are a series of key stats and facts pertaining to the game:

ON THE MOUND FOR AUSTRALIA:

• The Bullpen went 7 innings, allowed just one run, 6 hits, and 4 walks while striking out 5.
• Paul Mildren pitched two innings, allowing 2 hits, one run scored and 2 walks. Mildren changed the momentum of the game in his first inning of work, shutting Mexico down and allowing just one run in his second inning.
• Thompson pitched 2 innings, allowing just 2 hits, 3 strikeouts - and finished the game off without walking a batter.
• Damian Moss went 1 2/3 innings with 1 hit, 1 walk, and 1 strikeout. Moss picked up the win with his scoreless outing.
• Liam Hendriks went 1 1/3 innings, allowed just 1 hit, 1 walk and a strikeout.

AT THE PLATE FOR AUSTRALIA:

• Chris Snelling went 3-for- 5, hit 2 homeruns, 3 RBIs, 3 runs scored.
• Luke Hughes went 2-for- 6 with a homerun, 3 RBIs and a run scored.
• Andrew Graham went 4-for- 6, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
• Oeltjen was on base 5 times going 4-for-5 with a walk, an RBI, a run scored and 2 stolen bases.
• Brett Roneberg went 3-for-4 and scored 2 runs.
• Brad Harman went 3 for 5, 4 runs scored and an RBI.
• Ben Risinger went 2 for 5, a homerun, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
• James Beresford went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

KEY FACTS:

• Australia set a new WBC record with 22 hits � exceeding USA�s previous record of 18.
• Australia scored 13 of their 17 runs in the last 4 innings
• Mercy rule invoked in the 8^th inning (17-7)
• Hostile crowd - nuts and bolts were thrown at the bullpen, Australian Embassy staff had beer thrown on them, the crowd booed their own team off the field in the 7^th - the stadium was half empty by the 7^th inning

MOVING FORWARD:

• The win for Australia means that they will face Cuba on Tuesday 10 March 2009 @ 8.00pm local time (1.00pm AEST)   
• Team Australia will host a training session tomorrow at Foro Sol Stadium between 12.30pm and 3.30pm.
• Australia needs to win 2 games to advance to the second round in San Diego.
• Mexico will now play South Africa tomorrow at 8.00pm. The loser of that game will be eliminated.

SUPPORTING DOCMENTATION:

• MLB TV (www.mlb.com) and ESPN have the broadcast rights to the 2009 World Baseball Classic (tonights game will be broadcast on ESPN at 8.30).
• www.mlbpressbox.com has all post game press conference transcripts, interview notes, images, and other supporting documentation
• Getty Images are the official photographers for the event
• For box scores, play-by-play etc KEEP POSTED TO www.worldbaseballclassic.com