By ,
Published February 11, 2016
SYDNEY (AP) Seattle Mariners prospect Dylan Unsworth allowed two hits over eight shutout innings and designated hitter Brett Willemburg had two hits and drove in two runs to lead South Africa to a 7-1 win over New Zealand in the opening game of a World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament on Thursday.
Australia was set to play the Philippines in the second game of a day-night doubleheader.
Unsworth, a 23-year-old right-hander who reached Double-A last season, induced 15 ground balls and retired the first 11 New Zealanders he faced. He struck out the side in his final inning.
The winner from the four-team Sydney tournament, which ends Sunday, will qualify for next year's 16-team World Baseball Classic.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/south-africa-beats-new-zealand-7-1-at-sydney-wbc-qualifier