09-07-2025
Black Sox score strong world cup start
The Black Sox perform a haka before facing host nation Canada on the opening day of the Softball World Cup, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, yesterday. PHOTO: WBSC
The Black Sox have made the perfect start to the Softball World Cup.
They beat host nation Canada 8-3 on the opening day in Prince Albert yesterday.
New Zealand shot to a 2-0 lead after the first inning when both Reilly Makea and Thomas Enoka whacked run-scoring doubles.
Ben Enoka added another RBI double in the second, Cole Evans scored on a Thomas Enoka single in the third and Dante Makea-Matakatea scored on a stolen base on the third.
Black Sox starting pitcher Pita Rona gave up five hits and one run through four innings but had two runners on base when he left the game, and the Canadians promptly scored both to get back to 5-3 after five innings.
The game turned firmly the New Zealanders' way at the top of the sixth when Tane Mumu stole a base then scored, and Makea belted a two-run homer.
Dunedin's Watts brothers both saw some action off the bench.
Cam replaced Te Wera Bishop behind the plate and had one at-bat, and Ben became the third Kiwi pitcher used when he shut out the game in the seventh inning.
The Black Sox play Argentina today.
