MEXICO CITY, March 12 (UPI) -- A two-run homer by Scott Hairston highlighted a seven-run fourth Wednesday, carrying Mexico to a 16-1 World Baseball Classic win over Australia.
The game was halted after six innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.
Australia was eliminated from the tournament and Mexico secured a spot in the second round. Both Cuba and Mexico will advance to the second double-elimination tournament and will be placed in a pool with Japan and South Korea. Those games will begin Sunday in San Diego.
Cuba and Mexico meet Thursday to determine the pairings for the opening games in the second round.
Mexico already owned a 4-0 lead when it produced its big inning -- sending 10 men to the plate. Karim Garcia went 4-for-4 with four RBI for Mexico.
