Former Trojan Glendinning lifts Australia to WBC victory
TOKYO – Former NIACC all-American Robbie Glendinning hit a three-run home run to lead Australia to a thrilling 8-7 win over South Korea in the opening round of pool play at the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday.
Glendinning, who is NIACC's all-time home run leader and hits leader, hit a 410-foot home run to give Australia a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning.
"Emotions are running really high," said Glendinning, who batted third and played second base. "That was a big win for Australia.
"It was a crazy game with many lead changes. I'm really glad we were able to pull off the win."
Also in Wednesday's win by Australia, former NIACC player Mitch Neunborn was the first Australia pitcher in relief. Neunborn threw 2 1/3 innings allowing two runs on one hit with two strikeouts and one walk.
Wednesday's win over South Korea was the third-ever win for Australia at the WBC in its fifth trip to the international baseball tournament.
Australia is the early leader in Pool B with two of the five teams advancing to the WBC quarterfinals.
Australia returns to pool play action Saturday against China.
"I'm excited for the next couple of games," Glendinning said.
Glendinning, who is in the Kanas City Royals' organization was a second-team NJCAA Division II all-American in 2015. Glendinning was selected in the 21st round of the MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017.
Glendinning, who played at NIACC in 2015-16, is the school's career leader in hits (195), home runs (33), RBIs (141), doubles (42), runs scored (151) and at-bats (500).
Neunborn played for the Trojans in 2017.
