Australia defeated Czechia 5-1 in Tokyo when Curtis Mead hit a three-run homer that put his team ahead, moving them closer to the knockouts in the Baseball World Cup. Sunday at 6: 00 a. m. ET is now set for their biggest test of the tournament against Shohei Ohtani and world No. 1 Japan, a matchup that will matter for progression.
Curtis Mead’s Three-Run Homer Decisive in 5-1 Win Over Czechia
Mead’s three-run blast in the third inning gave Australia a 3-1 lead and proved decisive in a match they closed out 5-1. Mead, who made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Rays and spent time with both Tampa Bay and Chicago-AL in 2025 before being traded to the White Sox, produced the night’s highlight and helped Australia add two more runs in the ninth to remove doubt from the final score.
Bullpen Effort Lauded by Manager Dave Nilsson After Victory
Relievers Todd Van Steensel, Coen Wynne, Ky Hampton, Blake Townsend and Mitch Neunborn combined in relief of starter Josh Hendrickson to allow just two hits and four base runners total. Hendrickson went 3. 0 innings allowing one run. “The bullpen was great, everyone was great. Even our starter Josh Hendrickson was very good, ” said manager Dave Nilsson after the game. “I think the key here is we are limiting the walks, staying focused and executing the game plan. We’ve allowed one run in 18 innings and I think anywhere that’s a good stat. We’ve really simplified the game plan and all the credit goes to the players and coaches for executing a game plan. “
Baseball World Cup Momentum Builds as Japan and Ohtani Await
Australia improved to 2-0 in the group after backing up a stunning victory over world No. 2 Chinese Taipei with the win over Czechia. Robbie Perkins pushed back on the notion that earlier victories were flukes, saying, “I don’t know why people keep thinking these are upsets. We beat Korea last time, and we beat Chinese Taipei today. I think we’re there with the best in the world on any given day. I think we need to start acknowledging we can give it to them. “
It was noted that Czechia represented a less-fancied opponent but that the result was still an important confirmation of Australia’s start in the Baseball World Cup group of death, where Japan and South Korea remain to come. The last time Australia faced Japan in the World Baseball Classic more than 40 million Japanese viewers watched on television, underscoring the scale of the challenge ahead. Shohei Ohtani, who headlines Japan and is on a 10-year, $US700 million ($AU996m) contract with the Dodgers, will lead the opposition when the teams meet.
Australia’s win left the side likely needing just one more victory to progress through to the knockouts, with confidence buoyed by discipline in limiting walks and consistent execution that Nilsson credited to both players and coaches.
Next confirmed event: Australia faces Japan and Shohei Ohtani on Sunday at 6: 00 a. m. ET.
