Black Sox complete round robin play unbeaten at Pacific Series
May 5, 2006
Sendai, Japan
Black Sox complete round robin play unbeaten at Pacific Series
Friday May 5th 2006
The New Zealand Community Trust Black Sox are through to the final of thePacific Series on the back of an unbeaten record in round robin play atthe Shellcom Dome in Sendai, Japan.
It was business as usual for the NZCT Black Sox today as they recordedanother two victories 11-4 over Samoa and 6-2 against Australia.
A feature of the game against Samoa was the appearance of young HuttValley pitcher Regan Manley making his international debut. The21-year-old started the game on the mound pitching the opening threeinnings. Manley faced 15 batters giving up four hits and three runs whiletaking three strikeouts.
Manley was replaced on the mound in the fourth inning by Thomas Cameronwho closed the game out facing 16 batters and taking three strikeoutswhile giving up three hits and one run.
With 11 runs in the game the NZCT Black Sox accumulated runs well beforea major onslaught in the seventh inning as they scored six runs.
Leading the way with the bat once again for New Zealand was Thomas Makeawho picked up two home runs in the game from just two trips to the plate.Also smashing home runs were Brad Rona and Stacy McLean while MalcolmNamana and Donny Hale were just as strong both picking up two hits fromthree at bats.
Earlier in the day the NZCT Black Sox outclassed Australia 6-2 withMichael Gaiger dominating on the mound for the NZCT Black Sox he pitchedthe full game and gave up just three hits while taking eight strikeoutsagainst the 29 batters he faced.
With the bat Travis Wilson, Donny Hale and Rhys Casley all picked up twohits while Wilson, Thomas Makea and Nathan Nukunuku registered homeruns.
The offensive power of the NZCT Black Sox hitters matched with strongdefence has proved too much to handle for all teams in the tournament todate with the New Zealand team unbeaten with six wins.
The final tomorrow will see the NZCT Black Sox taking on the home teamJapan at 4pm.
By SNZ Media Liaison: Kelly Mitchell
* mailto:kelly.mitchell@xtra.co.nz
http://www.softball.org.nz/
*mailto:snz@softball.org.nz
Cheers Vance
Softball New Zealand web master.
* mailto:vanf@ihug.co.nz
