Josh Pettett pitches for the New Zealand Black Sox against Argentina. Photo/Photosport
The Black Sox have bounced back from a loss to Venezuela, closing out Denmark 8-1 in five innings at the men's world softball championships.
The NZ men couldn't have started better, with back-to-back home runs from Campbell Enoka and Joel Evans providing an early 2-0 lead in the top of
the first inning.
A Cole Evans three-un shot saw the Black Sox extend the lead to 6-0 in their next turn at bat.
The game was starting to turn into a slug fest, as Denmark's Martin Simonsen launched one of his own off New Zealand relief pitcher Karl Gollan.
But two further runs in the fifth was enough for the Black Sox to get the win and look ahead to the last of the section games against Botswana tomorrow.
Pitcher Josh Pettett got the start for New Zealand, throwing two innings, giving up a double and taking four strikeouts. Pettett will be a key competent for the Black Sox, when the playoffs commence on Saturday.
The game was a special occasion for big Brad Rona, as he notched his 100th test cap for New Zealand.
Rona joins captain Nathan Nukunuku, who reached his 100th test against Venezuela yesterday, and greats Thomas Makea (140) and Jarrad Martin (131) in the 100 club.
