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.