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Korea rode a terrific team pitching performance to defeat Australia 5-1 at the Intermediate League World Series in Livermore, California.

Australia, represented by the Brisbane North Vikings charter team, were struck out 13 times by the Korean outfit from West Seoul. They also limited the Aussies to just two hits, both by Alonzo Zaire Griffin.

Australia’s pitching also combined for 13 strike-outs.

Alonzo Zaire Griffin put forward a tremendous start on the mound for Australia. He had ten strike-outs in 4.2 innings and gave up just four hits.

The loss sends Brisbane North to an elimination game at 9:00AM local time, or 2:00AM AEST on Wednesday 2 August, vs Puerto Rico. If Australia can win that game, their tournament will continue.

Game Recap

It was never going to be easy for Australia. Their Korean opposition entered the game in phenomenal form – a 5-0 win over Europe where they tossed a no-hitter.

Their pitching looked good in this one, too. Doyun Yi started the game for Korea and allowed just one hit with no walks and no runs in 2.1 inning effort. He also struck out five batters.

Alonzo Zaire Griffin had his special moments as the Australian starting pitcher. He struck out seven batters in his first three innings of work while allowing just four hits.

Doyun Yi then made it happen on the basepaths. He surprised the Australians by stealing home to give Australia the lead.

Korea loaded the bases in the third inning and added two more runs, thanks to a ground ball up the middle.

Zaire Griffin left the game with a stat line to be proud of: 4.2 innings pitched, 4 hits, 3 runs, two walks…and an astounding 10 strikeouts.

The Aussies didn’t have much luck vs Seunghyeon, the Korean relief pitcher. He went the next 1.2 innings without allowing a hit while striking out two.

In the bottom of the fifth, Australia finally put some pressure on the team from West Seoul. Xavier Honsa worked a lead off walk, Zaire Griffin picked up his second hit of the day and suddenly it was runners on the corners and no outs.

Australia gave Korea a taste of their own medicine. Honsa stole home itself to put Australia on the board.

Australia kept the pressure going but Park Jihoon induced a pair of strike-outs to keep the Korean lead at two.

Tirrell Waiwai pitched well in relief for Australia. He pitched 1.0 innings of 1-hit ball with three strike outs.

A two-out, two-run homerun from Park Jihoon helped Korea pull away in the top of the seventh.

Australia will look to rebound tomorrow vs. Puerto Rico.

BOX SCORE

ASIA PACIFIC (KOREA):  5 Runs, 6 Hits, 1 Error.
0-1-2-0-0-0-2

AUSTRALIA REGION (BRISBANE NORTH):  1 Run,  2 Hits, 1 Error.
0-0-0-0-0-1-0

Hits: Alonzo Zaire Griffin (2)

Pitchers
Alonzo Zaire Griffin: 4.2IP, 4H, 3R, 2BB, 10SO
Tirrell Waiwai: 1.0IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 3SO
Lachlan Richards: 1.0IP, 1H, 2R, 2BB, 0SO
Fletcher Adams: 0.1IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 0SO

Australia has four representative teams heading to the United States for the Little League, Intermediate League, Junior League and Senior League World Series.

These prestigious tournaments are broadcast on ESPN and garner huge crowds and media attention across the USA.

Here’s what you need to know.