Despite a 12-5 defeat by Australia in the World Baseball Classic Qualifier final, in Sydney, on Sunday, February 14, the South African team and Benoni Northerns Indians Ball Club’s Rowan Ebersohn still have a lot to be proud of.
South Africa were firmly in the chase right up until the eighth frame, before six unearned runs came home for Australia in the bottom of the frame.
Although the team was defeated, it was a positive weekend for the national baseball players, who lost just two of their four games at the qualifiers.
“To play in a final of that magnitude was something special,” Ebersohn told the City Times.
“The atmosphere was insane and the level of play was great, I absolutely loved it.
“We ran out of juice towards the end and the Australians capitalised on it.
He reflected on his personal performance: “I do not think I did too badly, but I know I could have done a lot more in some areas.
“I just tried to enjoy the time there as much as I could.
“We were able to hold our own against all three teams, which I think was an achievement on its own.
“We definitely made a statement at this tournament.”