march2013

Black Sox open title bid with easy win

March 1, 2013

Auckland, NZ

 

OFF TO A FLYER: The Black Sox got their World Championship hopes off to a flying start against Mexico last night.

 

 

ORIGINAL STORY - by Ben Stanley

The Black Sox started the world softball championship with a resounding 5-0 victory over Mexico in Auckland last night. 

    In their first match of the tournament at North Shore's Rosedale Park, New Zealand completely outclassed the North Americans, with a big second innings proving a turning point in the encounter. 

    Three New Zealand batters reached home as Mexican pitcher Gabriel Melendez struggled to locate the strike zone on a balmy night. 

    Pitchers Heinie Shannon and Nick Hayes combined to pitch a shutout for New Zealand, limiting the Mexicans to only four hits in seven innings. 

    Right fielder Donny Hale hit a single through the infield to bring home shortstop Tyson Byrne, who had tripled to left field earlier on. 

    A towering lead-off home run over left field by 40-year-old veteran Jarrad Martin started the second innings for the Black Sox. 

    But worse was to come for the Mexicans after centre fielder Ben Enoka grounded out and free passes were delivered to both left fielder Daniel Milne and third baseman Tyron Bartorillo. 

    Second baseman Nathan Nukunuku then singled to load the bases. 

    Byrne was hit by a errant Melendez pitch, before Hale was walked to ensure New Zealand went 4-0 up. 

    Veteran first baseman Brad Rona flew out with bases loaded to end the innings but the damage had already been done. 

    Melendez had thrown 20 balls in his first two innings of work and was replaced by Oscar Martinez. 

    But Martinez did not fare much better, with Nukunuku bringing home Bartorillo in the fourth to put the Black Sox 5-0 up. 

    Martinez was then replaced on the mound by Sergio Almeida, who finally limited the potent New Zealand batting card but it was too late. 

    For the Black Sox, Nick Hayes was brought in from the bullpen to replace Shannon after 4.2 innings of work. He kept up the good work on the mound as New Zealand completed their work for a comfortable victory. 

    Bartorillo was the best at the plate for New Zealand, scoring two runs, hitting a triple, and notching a walk and one hit-by-a-pitch. 

    Rona struggled, going 0-3 at the plate. 

    New Zealand are attempting to reclaim the title they conceded to Australia at the last world championship in Saskatoon, Canada, in 2009. The Black Sox won the previous three titles in 1996, 2000 and 2005.

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