South Africa have opened the World Baseball Classic Qualifier with a 7-1 win over New Zealand in Sydney.
Dylan Unsworth dominated the innings at Blue Sox Stadium on Thursday, allowing only two hits and walking none to shut out the Diamondblacks.
"When we arrived in Australia, one of the guys we targeted for this game was going to be Dylan," South African manager Alan Phillips said.
"He is probably our most experienced starter. We have a lot of other guys who might do better relief work, so with six years of pro ball, in games like this it comes out nicely."
South Africa took advantage of some New Zealand miscues in the top of the third inning, plating two runs on two hits, a wild pitch and a pair of errors.
New Zealand starter Scott Cone was knocked out of the game with two outs in the frame, allowing one unearned run on one hit with two walks and two hit batters in 2 2/3 innings.
He was replaced by his brother Ben Cone, who gave up two runs on two hits before ending the inning.
South Africa added four runs in the top of the ninth to take a commanding lead over the Diamondblacks, putting the game away.
Randy Yard allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits, recording just two outs, and Riki Paewai allowed a run on two hits before recording the final out for New Zealand.
Designated hitter Brett Willemburg led the offensive charge for the South African squad, driving in two runs and notching two hits on the day.
Boss Moanaroa plated the only Diamondblacks run of the day, walking with the bases loaded in the ninth inning to get on the board.
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