Nicaragua Stays in Medal Hunt

Nemesio Porras had three hits, including a two-run homer, to lead Nicaragua to a rain-shortened 7-0 victory over the Netherlands.

The game was called in the bottom of the seventh inning after a 92-minute rain delay. Three Olympic games were scheduled and tournament officials decided not to wait any longer before calling the first one.

The victory put Nicaragua (3-1) in good shape for a berth in the medal round. The top four teams that emerge from round-robin play advance.

The Netherlands (1-3) was upset that officials did not wait longer before calling the game.

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Marco Ubani had four hits and drove in three runs and Francesco Casolari hit a three-run homer, leading Italy to a 12-8 victory over Australia.

Italy (2-2) scored in each of the first five innings to pull into a 11-6 lead.

Australia (1-3) cut it to 12-8 on Andrew Scott’s two-run homer in the eighth, then loaded the bases with two out. But reliever Paolo Ceccarolili struck out pinch-hitter John Moore, who represented the tying run.