TOKYO — A day removed from a stunning upset victory over Chinese Taipei, Team Australia continued to roll at the World Baseball Classic as they defeated Czechia, 5-1, and improved to a 2-0 record in Pool C.
Playing a big role in the success for Australia in game two of the 2026 WBC were five Western Australian natives, who have put the green and gold in prime position to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Baseball Classic for the second time in Aussie history.
Manager Dave Nilsson continued to turn to left-handed pitching in the tournament, as he handed the ball to Josh Hendrickson, who was making his World Baseball Classic debut. The former Perth Heat southpaw, picked up where the game one starter, Alex Wells, left off, striking out the first two hitters he faced in an eventual scoreless first inning.
While he would give up an earned run in the second inning, Czechia had an opportunity to break it open and could not do so.
“Our starter Josh Hendrickson was very good,” said Dave Nilsson, Team Australia. “I think the key here is we are limiting the walks, staying focused and executing the game plan.”
Entering the third inning, Australia found itself trailing for the first time this tournament, but it didn’t last for long. With one out and a runner on first, Tim Kennelly stepped up to the plate. The Heat and ABL’s ‘goat’ would bounce into a fielder’s choice, his hustle combined with an errant throw from second base allowed Kennelly to reach and keep the inning alive. A mere two batters later, Australia would take the lead courtesy of a three-run home run.
Kennelly would later walk in the game against Czechia, meaning he’s reached three times through the first two games in what he announced will be his final World Baseball Classic.
Fast forward to the ninth inning, still leading by just two runs, Perth Heat catcher and Morley Eagles star, Alex Hall, led off the frame with a massive solo home run to left-centre field to provide insurance for Team Australia.
It was Hall’s second extra-base hit of the contest, having already doubled in the top of the sixth inning for his first two hits of the tournament.
Later in the inning, former Perth Heat and Wanneroo Giants member, Robbie Glendinning, worked a walk in his first WBC appearance of the 2026 edition, while in the bottom of the ninth, former Heat pitcher and Western Australia native Mitch Neunborn threw a scoreless ninth inning to secure the 5-1 victory for the green and gold.
Australia has two games remaining in Pool Play and find themselves atop of Pool C as the first team to start 2-0 at this year’s World Baseball Classic.
“You won’t find a playing group or team as close as what we are as a group and the connection we have as a team,” said Tim Kennelly, Team Australia captain. “And I think that really helps on the world stage.”
The bond that has been formed will be put to a major test when they take the field next, as the reigning WBC Champions, and world number one, Team Japan with global superstar Shohei Ohtani, awaits.
On top of facing the favourites to win the event, Team Australia will face an environment it never has before. An expected 40+ million will be watching in Japan but in attendance at the Tokyo Dome will be His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, marking the first Imperial Visit to a baseball game in 67 years.
Australia will enjoy a well-deserved day off before it gets set for the aforementioned matchup against Japan on Sunday, with first pitch slated for 6 p.m. (AWST).
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For more from the tournament, check out the online World Baseball Classic hub.
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Photography: Scott Powick