South Africa beats New Zealand 7-1 at Sydney WBC qualifier

SYDNEY, Feb 11:  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.

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