Latest news with #BenEnoka
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Black Sox: Kiwis grab silver in Softball World Cup final
The New Zealand men's softball team found redemption at the 2025 WBSC World Cup Finals, which took place in Prince Albert, Canada. Photo / WBSC This year's final was also Aotearoa, NZ's 10th appearance in a World Championship final, finishing runners-up in four competitions (1988, 1992, 2009, and 2015). In 1976, they shared the gold medal with Canada and USA, as the play-offs couldn't be completed because of poor weather. Head coach Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea ki Rarotonga), who took over in 2023, said the team set out to rebuild after a challenging few years. He said their haerenga (journey) to the final was fuelled by the team's connection and a sense of whanaungatanga. The Black Sox reached the final after an 8-3 victory over Japan in the Super Round, where they needed a five-run win to qualify on Team Quality Balance. The only side in the competition to beat NZ was Venezuela, who earlier defeated the Black Sox 7-2 in group play. The New Zealand Black Sox at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2025. Photo / WBSC Game replay The Black Sox opened the gold medal match with a chilling haka, laying down a wero (challenge) to Venezuela in a rematch of the 2013 World Cup final. They threatened early, putting runners on base in the first inning but couldn't convert runs. Lead-off hitter Ben Enoka picked a walk, and Cole Evans pushed him to third with a line drive, but the side couldn't capitalise. Young Canterbury pitcher Liam Potts, 21, started strong on the mound for NZ, retiring the first three Venezuelan batters, including a strikeout to close the first. Black Sox pitcher Liam Potts pitched the side to its second win of the WBSC World Cup, holding the world's number one ranked side, Argentina, to only one run. Photo / WBSC The scoreboard remained scoreless until the bottom of the third, when Pedro Flores broke the deadlock, smashing a solo homer over centrefield to put Venezuela on the board. Despite solid contact and disciplined at-bats, the Black Sox couldn't find a breakthrough through the next two innings, with both sides allowing no runs to concede. Venezuela's starting pitcher Maiker Pimentel battled through an ankle injury, but had to leave the game in the top of the fifth after re-aggravating it. Luis Miguel Colombo Perez came on but didn't last long, leaving the mound after Rhys Evans drew a walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. Ben Enoka was then hit by a pitch, putting two on with two outs. But despite the opportunity, Jerome Raemaki struck out on a drop ball by new pitcher Eudomar Toyo, leaving the two runners stranded on base. Pita Rona took over on the mound for the Black Sox in the bottom of the fifth, replacing Potts after a solid start. He walked his first batter, putting runners on first and second with no outs. But the Black Sox defence stepped up to the plate, Rhys Evans fielded a grounder and made the force out at third, followed by a diving catch in foul territory by Te Kirika Cooper-Nicola in left field to end the inning and keep Venezuela from extending their lead. In the top of the sixth, top batters, Cole Evans and Reilly Makea both struck out swinging on drop balls from Toyo, who continued to cause problems for the Black Sox. Black Sox first-basemen and power-hitter Seth Gibson clutched two impressive home-runs against Japan to help secure their spot in the final. Photo / WBSC But Thomas Enoka broke the silence with a sharp line drive up the middle, followed by Seth Gibson who kept his hot bat alive with a stand-up double that pushed Enoka to third. With two on and two out, Venezuela made a tactical move, bringing injured starter Maiker Pimentel back on to the mound – disrupting NZ's momentum. This worked for the South-Americans, as second baseman Tane Mumu popped up for the third out retiring the inning and leaving NZ scoreless. In the bottom of the sixth with a runner on one after picking a walk, Venezuelans Jesus Kleiver Barreto Rodriguez hit a two-run shot – his third home run of the tournament – bringing the score to 3-0. Venezuela's starting pitcher Maiker Pimentel battled through an ankle injury, pitching his team to a 3-0 victory over New Zealand. Photo / WBSC In the final inning, the Black Sox were unable to close the gap. Te Wera Bishop connected with a hard line drive, but Venezuela's third baseman leapt high to make a crucial catch, robbing what could've been a double. Hohepa Monk, pinch-hitting for Rhys Evans, struck out swinging, and Ben Enoka, the veteran lead-off, went down on a final swing and a miss. Venezuela sealed a 3-0 win, denying NZ their eighth world title. In the bronze medal match, team USA had the upper hand over Japan, taking the win 10-1. – RNZ
1News
2 days ago
- Sport
- 1News
Black Sox claim second place at Men's Softball World Cup
The New Zealand men's softball team will return home with a silver medal after a tough final match against Venezuela in the early hours of Monday morning (NZT). The Black Sox were chasing their eighth world championship title but were held scoreless in a 3-0 loss, settling for second place - a strong comeback from their eighth-place finish in 2022. This year's campaign marked a powerful return to form for the most decorated team in men's softball history, with seven world titles already to their name, won in 1976, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2013, and 2017. The side hadn't won a medal since their last win in 2017. This year's final was also New Zealand's 10th appearance in a World Championship final, finishing runners-up in four competitions (1988, 1992, 2009, and 2015). ADVERTISEMENT In 1976, they shared the gold medal with Canada and USA, as the play-offs couldn't be completed due to poor weather. Head coach Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea ki Rarotonga), who took over in 2023, said the team set out to rebuild after a challenging few years. He said their harenga (journey) to the final was fuelled by the team's connection and a sense of whanaungatanga both on and off the diamond. The Black Sox reached the final after an 8-3 victory over Japan in the Super Round, where they needed a five-run win to qualify on Team Quality Balance. The only side in the competition to beat New Zealand was Venezuela, who earlier defeated the Black Sox 7-2 in group play. The New Zealand Black Sox at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2025. (Source: WBSC) Game replay ADVERTISEMENT The Black Sox opened the gold medal match with a chilling haka, laying down a wero (challenge) to Venezuela in a rematch of the 2013 World Cup final. New Zealand threatened early, putting runners on base in the first inning but couldn't convert runs. Lead-off hitter Ben Enoka picked a walk, and Cole Evans pushed him to third with a line drive, but the side couldn't capitalise. Young Canterbury pitcher Liam Potts, 21, started strong on the mound for New Zealand, retiring the first three Venezuelan batters, including a strikeout to close the first. The scoreboard remained scoreless until the bottom of the third, when Pedro Flores broke the deadlock, smashing a solo homer over centrefield to put Venezuela on the board. Despite solid contact and disciplined at-bats, the Black Sox couldn't find a breakthrough through the next two innings, with both sides allowing no runs to concede. Venezuela's starting pitcher Maiker Pimentel battled through an ankle injury, but had to leave the game in the top of the fifth after reaggravating it. ADVERTISEMENT Luis Miguel Colombo Perez came on but didn't last long, leaving the mound after Rhys Evans drew a walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. Ben Enoka was then hit by a pitch, putting two on with two outs. But despite the opportunity, Jerome Raemaki struck out on a drop ball by new pitcher Eudomar Toyo, leaving the two runners stranded on base. New Zealand Black Sox pitcher, Pita Rona, son of Brad Rona - a four-time Black Sox world champion - pitched the side to its first victory at the WBSC Softball World Cup Finals against Canada. (Source: WBSC) Pita Rona took over on the mound for the Black Sox in the bottom of the fifth, replacing Potts after a solid start. He walked his first batter, putting runners on first and second with no outs. But the Black Sox defence stepped up to the plate, Rhys Evans fielded a grounder and made the force out at third, followed by a diving catch in foul territory by Te Kirika Cooper-Nicola in left field to end the inning and keep Venezuela from extending their lead. ADVERTISEMENT In the top of the sixth, top batters, Cole Evans and Reilly Makea both struck out swinging on drop balls from Toyo, who continued to cause problems for the Black Sox. But Thomas Enoka broke the silence with a sharp line drive up the middle, followed by Seth Gibson who kept his hot bat alive with a stand-up double that pushed Enoka to third. With two on and two out, Venezuela made a tactical move, bringing injured starter Maiker Pimentel back onto the mound - disrupting New Zealand's momentum. This worked for the South-Americans, as second basemen Tane Mumu popped up for the third out retiring the inning and leaving New Zealand scoreless. In the bottom of the sixth with a runner on one after picking a walk, Venezuelans Jesus Kleiver Barreto Rodriguez hit a two-run shot - his third home run of the tournament - bringing the score to 3-0. In the final inning, the Black Sox were unable to close the gap. Te Wera Bishop connected with a hard line drive, but Venezuela's third baseman leapt high to make a crucial catch, robbing what could've been a double. Hohepa Monk, pinch-hitting for Rhys Evans, struck out swinging, and Ben Enoka, the veteran lead-off, went down on a final swing and a miss. ADVERTISEMENT In the bronze medal match, Team USA had the upper hand over Japan, taking the win 10-1. The Black Sox will return home to their whānau with a silver medal, and while it's not gold, the team did what they set out to do: make the podium and bring home a medal. By Layla Bailey-McDowell of
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Black Sox looking for eighth win at Softball World Cup
The New Zealand Black Sox have won their Super Round, and will fight for their eighth title in the final of the WBSC Mens Softball World Cup, on Monday. Photo: WBSC New Zealand's Black Sox are through to the WBSC Mens Softball World Cup Final, after a huge 8-3 win against Japan in the Super Round. They'll face Venezuela in the Gold Medal final on Monday, a rematch of the 2013 World Championship, where Aotearoa came out on top. The Black Sox are the worlds most decorated softball team, with seven world titles under their belt. The game against Japan was not only a must-win game for the New Zealand side, but one they had to win by at least five runs to keep their Team Quality Balance (TQB) high enough to make the final. Due to the format of the WBSC World Cup, every run mattered, for and against, and the players delivered under pressure. It was an action-packed opening inning between the two sides and tournament favourites. New Zealand Black Sox captain Cole Evans sent a rise ball over the fence against Japan in the top of the first inning, on Sunday. Photo: WBSC New Zealand's bats came out hot, forcing a change in Japan's pitching rotation just four batters in, with the Black Sox scoring four runs in the top of the first. Veteran Ben Enoka got things started with a walk before advancing to second on a deep fly ball by Jerome Raemaki. An error on the transfer allowed Enoka to move to third. Black Sox captain Cole Evans then sent a rise ball over centre field, scoring two runs, to give New Zealand the early momentum. Batting .400 so far in the tournament with two home runs, outfielder Reilly Makea continued the pressure with a hard single through to left field, forcing Japan to make an early pitching change. Ace pitcher for Japan, Hiroki Ikeda, who has pitched 21.1 innings this tournament with 28 strikeouts, was brought in to replace starter Fuga Nagai. Ikeda struck out Thomas Enoka in his first at-bat but couldn't contain the strong Black Sox line-up for long. First baseman Seth Gibson crushed a moon-shot home run to extend the lead to 4-0. Jerome Raemaki Photo: WBSC Starting on the mound for Aotearoa, New Zealand, was young lefty Liam Potts, with catcher Te Wera Bishop calling the shots. Japan responded immediately in the bottom of the first, with a lead-off homerun by Tei Hamamoto. They capitalised on a New Zealand error and a stand-up double from Kazuya Toriyama to bring the score to 4-2. The Black Sox maintained pressure through the middle innings, Jerome Raemaki - who won Black Sox the game against USA on Saturday, stepped up and delivered a deep shot to left field for a sacrifice fly, bringing a run home and extending the lead to 5-2. New Zealand extended their lead in the fourth as veteran Ben Enoka launched a solo home run over centre field, making it 6-2. Japan responded in the bottom of the fourth, narrowing the gap to 6-3 after a lead-off single and an RBI triple to the outfield by Taiyo Kataoka. Black Sox pitcher Pita Rona, son of Brad Rona - a four-time Black Sox world champion. Photo: WBSC Pita Rona would replace Potts on the mound for the Black Sox, holding a strong Japanese side to 0 runs. In the sixth, the Black Sox added a crucial insurance run. Third basemen Rhys Evans smashed a lead-off double and was later brought home on a sacrifice fly from Reilly Makea, extending the lead to 7-3. This was a key moment in their bid to improve their Team Quality Balance. Seth Gibson added his second home run of the game in the seventh, pushing the score to 8-3. This clutch of an at bat would mark Gibson as the WBSC 'Player of the Day.' More to come... Thomas Enoka Photo: WBSC Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Black Sox brothers reach 100-game milestone at Softball World Cup
Ben and Thomas Enoka Photo: Supplied / Andrew Currie Two of the most familiar faces in New Zealand softball are continuing the legacy, reaching an impressive milestone that not many players in the sport ever achieve. Ngāpuhi brothers Ben and Thomas Enoka have each secured 100 games for the Black Sox, the most decorated men's softball team in the world. The duo are adding more caps to that number, competing at the 2025 Men's Softball World Cup in Prince Albert, Canada, with the ultimate goal of hitting the podium . Ben Enoka leads the Black Sox haka. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC Veteran outfielder Ben Enoka is playing at his seventh World Cup. He debuted at the 2009 world championship and has two gold medals (2013, 2017) under his belt. He said representing his country, whakapapa and whānau on the world stage was a massive honour. "It's pretty special to say that you've played 100 for the Black Sox. It's always been a dream to be part of this team, and sticking around that long is a huge honour for myself and my family." Ben said staying at the elite level took sacrifice and commitment, but his love for not only the game, but the team, always brought him back. '"It's something I enjoy doing. I love this team." Thomas Enoka switched from Samoa to New Zealand in 2015. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC Thomas Enoka made his debut in 2015, after representing the other side of his whakapapa, Samoa, in 2013. He said they only discovered the 100-cap achievement shortly before the whakataetae (competition) began. "It was a pretty emotional evening when we found out. It's been a cool journey. "I think our whānau are pretty proud." The brothers grew up surrounded by the game, playing softball together from around the age of four, never straying far from their club roots at Auckland United. Since then, 'Enoka' has been a household name in New Zealand softball, with Ben, Thomas and younger brother Campbell becoming the first set of three siblings to represent the Black Sox in 2017. They won the world championships that year, marking the seventh gold medal for Aoteaora - a WBSC record - defeating neighbours Australia 6-4 at Whitehorse, Canada. Thomas Enoka in action for the Black Sox. Photo: PHOTOSPORT The Enoka brothers said sticking with the sport had been easy, with a strong sense of 'whānau' embedded within the game. Thomas added that softball had always been more than just competition. "What keeps me coming back is probably that legacy that's already there. You want to be a part of something like that - being seven-time world champs, being in a successful environment, plus the whānau side of things." This year's World Cup squad has four sets of brothers and a couple of cousins, so - as Thomas puts it: - "you're pretty much just playing with family". "We're tight outside of softball too, so it feels more like fun than work. You're hanging out with your mates, while competing at an elite level. "That's what keeps me coming back." The Black Sox culture is built on connection. Photo: WBSC Ben added to that kōrero, saying the "love of the game" brings him back. "It's always been an enjoyable experience, being a part of this Black Sox team... always trying to do things better each day, as we're playing for this top." The brothers were part of the 2022 campaign on home soil, where the team placed eighth. The Black Sox hope to improve on their last World Cup performance and creating a brotherhood has played a massive part of that. "This campaign's been built around connection," Thomas said. "That's one of the biggest words used around this team. "It makes it easier when there are so many family members involved. Getting to a deeper level with most of the boys, learning their 'whys' and what drives them, it gives you that motivation to back each other, when you're connected like that, and it helps everyone get to a better level." Thomas said they did not just play for themselves - they're played for those who paved the way. "That's probably the biggest arrowhead in this team - connection." The Black Sox aim to improve on their eighth placing at the 2022 World Cup. Photo: WBSC Similar to other amateur sports in Aotearoa, representative softballers have to pay their own way, when representing the side nationally and internationally. Both players credit their whānau and support systems back home for helping them stay on the field. "Our sacrifices are other people's sacrifices too," Thomas said. "Our partners have to pick up the slack, and our families and our work as well, so just a big 'thank you' to everyone who's made space for us to achieve what we want." While the boys have whānau showing their support on the sidelines in Canada, Ben's 18-month-old daughter has watched the games from back home. "She's got her supporter's top on, sitting in front of the TV, when we're playing. It's pretty cute." He said his whānau were always at the back of his mind, when repping the fern - as they were the reason why he could in the first place. "They're always in my thoughts before the game... the sacrifices they make, so I can be a Black Sox player and do what I love." The most crucial thing for the pair is playing for their brothers beside them. "I'm here for the team," Ben said. When asked if another 100 games could be on the cards, the boys laughed and said that was a "tough ask". "I definitely don't feel 19 anymore, like when I first made the team, that's for sure," Ben said. The awesome part about being a tuakana (elder) in the squad was paving the way for the future generations to come. "I always look to make sure the young boys are enjoying it, and staying in the moment and having fun. "Also, we are here to compete, to make our name and put our name back on that podium." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
