SYDNEY, Australia -- Mariners prospect Dylan Unsworth pitched eight shutout innings, scattering two hits, to put South Africa into the winner's bracket on the first day of the World Baseball Classic Qualifier with a 7-1 win over New Zealand at Blacktown International Sportspark on Thursday.
Unsworth, a 23-year-old right-hander who reached Double-A last season, induced 15 ground balls and retired the first 11 Kiwis he faced. He struck out the side in his final inning, striking out four overall on 89 pitches. He also retired his final 10 batters.
Designated hitter Brett Willemburg had two hits and drove in two runs for South Africa.