Australia clinched the number two seed in Group B on Tuesday with a tougher than expected 4-2 win over a stubborn German squad. The Aussies will square off against Canada on Wednesday to close out their round robin slate.

Germany got another solid performance from left-hander Enorbel Marquez who went the distance in limiting the Aussies to just four runs in a losing effort. Australia got four scoreless innings from starter Dushan Ruzic and reliever Scott Mitchinson was coasting along until the Germans made things a little interesting.

Trailing 4-0 in the eighth frame, German catcher Kai Gronauer stroked a two-run double to close the gap to 4-2. But Aussie pitcher Brad Thomas slammed the door on any upset bid registering two of the final three outs with strikeouts.

The ball continues to be coming in “slo-mo” for Aussie centerfielder Trent Oeltjen who tallied four hits from the leadoff spot. Justin Huber and Glenn Williams were both 2-for-4 for Australia which collected 11 hits in the game.

German leadoff man Sascha Lutz was 2-for-5 and had one of three doubles hit by Germany which had seven players join the hit parade. The Germans will finish the tournament against Korea on Wednesday.

Tags: World Cup