New Zealand

New Zealand got its first taste of the World Baseball Classic during the 2013 qualifier. Considered an underdog to start, New Zealand nearly pulled out a stunning pool victory. Routs of Thailand and the Philippines put New Zealand in position to advance, but they were done in by pool nemesis Chinese Taipei.

2016 Qualifiers

Qualifier 1: Sydney Blacktown International Sportspark

Gm 1	rsa nzl	7 1	F	Thu, Feb 11 9:00 PM EST	Fri, Feb 12 1:00 PM AEST	gameday
Gm 3	phi nzl	7 17	F/8	Fri, Feb 12 9:00 PM EST	Sat, Feb 13 1:00 PM AEST	gameday
Gm 5	rsa nzl	9 2	F	Sat, Feb 13 2:30 AM EST	Sat, Feb 13 6:30 PM AEST	gameday

HEADLINES

New Zealand, S. Africa to tangle for spot in finale

Australia is one win away from returning to the main draw of the World Baseball Classic, but they will have to wait to face the winner of Saturday's rematch between South Africa and New Zealand.

HS star gladly risks eligibility for Classic 'W'

For an 18-year-old American high school kid, the world stage is a dream come true. Add to that a win that keeps your native New Zealand alive in the World Baseball Classic? For Kiwi right-hander Jimmy Boyce, pitching 7,700 miles away from home, it gets a bit more complicated.

Conlan shines on WBC stage with Philippines

The great thing about the World Baseball Classic is the number of stories that make up the competing countries' rosters. One such tale is how a Division II college in the shadows of the StubHub Center just south of Los Angeles put two players on Team Philippines.

Ex-Boston farmhand's 7 RBIs keep Kiwis alive

Former Red Sox prospect Boss Moanaroa went 4-for-5 with a homer, two doubles and seven RBIs to give New Zealand (1-1) a 17-7 mercy-rule win in eight innings over the Philippines (0-2) in a World Baseball Classic Qualifier elimination game on Friday at Blacktown International Sportspark.