Mitch Neunborn of Team Australia pitches in the bottom of the third inning during the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal between Australia and Cuba at Tokyo Dome on March 15, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Australia relief pitcher and South Africa native Mitch Neunborn signed with the Philadelphia Phillies after having success in winter ball with the Adelaide Giants in the Australia Baseball League and the World Baseball Classic.
During the World Baseball Classic, Neunborn came in relief for three games for Australia, posting a 4.76 ERA pitching in 5.2 innings while allowing three hits, walking three batters and striking out three to record a 1.06 WHIP.
Neunborn best performance during the World Baseball Classic came against the Czech Republic, when he went 2.1 hitless innings and striking out five in Pool B play at the Tokyo Dome, where he caught the eyes of major league scouts.
Neunborn was a huge contributor to the Adelaide Giants winning the Claxton Shield during the 2022-23 Australia Baseball League season, coming out of the bullpen in 13 appearances with a 3-0 record along with posting a 2.25 ERA, pitching in 28 innings, allowing 15 hits, walking 17 batters, and striking out 40.