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Black Sox start Pacific Series with a bang
Wednesday May 3rd 2006
Home advantage has counted for little tonight as the New ZealandCommunity Trust Black Sox have kicked off their 2006 Pacific Seriescampaign with a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Japan.
It have been a powerful display from the world champion NZCT Black Soxboth offensively and defensively at the Shellcom Dome in Sendai Japan asthe Kiwi team have sent out a clear message not only to Japan but also tothe other two teams competing in the tournament Australia and Samoa.
In their opening game of the tournament against Japan the NZCT Black Soxwere in unbeatable form as they overcame Japan in just five innings withthe mercy rule invoked as the Kiwi team held a seven runadvantage.
Hutt Valley pitcher Jeremy Manley led the way on the mound backed up byan awesome array of hitters.
Manley was outstanding one the mound as he used a wide array of pitchesto completely dominant the Japanese hitters. Manley stats for the gameback up his huge performance as he faced 16 batters and took 11 strikeouts while giving up no hits.
While Manley was on top on the mound he was backed up by his hitters withinfielder Travis Wilson picking up two hits in the game while NathanNukunuku, Jarrad Martin and Rhys Casley all cleared the outfield fenceswith towering home runs.
With one win under their belts the NZCT Black Sox are back on the diamondin Sendai taking on Samoa. In earlier results from the tournamentAustralia opened up with a 3-0 win over Samoa while Japan defeatedAustralia 4-1.
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
