Shutout in Tokyo: Australia Stuns Chinese Taipei in WBC Opener

The Australian national team opened their 2026 WBC campaign with a clinical 3-0 victory over world No. 2 Chinese Taipei. Behind five hitless innings from the pitching staff to start the game and home runs from Robbie Perkins and Travis Bazzana, the Aussies have put themselves in a prime position to repeat their 2023 quarter-final heroics.

The Pitching Masterclass

Australia’s strategy of using multiple left-handed looks completely stifled the Chinese Taipei lineup, which managed only three singles all day.

• Alex Wells: Set the tone with 3.0 hitless innings and 6 strikeouts.
• Jack O’Loughlin: Negotiated the middle innings, earning the win despite allowing the first hit in the 4th.
• Jon Kennedy: Slammed the door with 3.0 scoreless frames to earn the save.
• The Result: Chinese Taipei struck out 9 times and failed to capitalize on any of their three opportunities with runners in scoring position.

The Power Surge

In a game dominated by pitching through the first four frames, Australia’s power hitters provided the difference:

• Robbie Perkins: The ABL’s home run leader broke the deadlock in the 5th inning with a towering two-run homer to right-center field.
• Travis Bazzana: The 2024 MLB #1 overall pick (Cleveland Guardians) announced himself on the world stage in the 7th, crushing a solo home run 383 feet into the right-field seats.

Injury News: Captain Chen Forced Off

A dark cloud hangs over Chinese Taipei following the 6th-inning exit of captain Chieh-Hsien Chen. The 2024 Premier12 MVP was struck on the hand by a pitch.

Medical Update: Initial reports indicate Chen has suffered a distal fracture in his left index finger. He has been taken to a local hospital for evaluation, but his participation in the rest of the tournament is in serious doubt.

Pool C Standings & Schedule