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World Baseball Classic qualifying: South Africa into final

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SYDNEY (AP) Catcher Kyle Botha's bases-loaded double in the sixth inning scored three runs to break open a close game and give South Africa a 9-2 win over New Zealand and a spot in Sunday's final against Australia in a regional World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament.

Keegan Swanepoel had four hits for South Africa, including a two-run single.

Jared Elario (1-0) got the win, pitching the first 4 1-3 innings and giving up two runs on two hits. Robert Lewis-Walker pitched the final 2 2-3 innings for the save.

Australia beat South Africa 4-1 on Friday to advance to the final. Sunday's winner clinches a place in the 16-team World Baseball Classic next year.

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