The New Zealand men's softball team beat Australia 5-0 yesterday to win the final of the Oceania world championship qualifying tournament in Auckland.
New Zealand had to wait until the seventh inning to open their account but a rush of runs left the Australians stranded with no answers.
Australian pitcher Adam Folkard tied the Black Sox down for five innings but replacement Andrew Kirkpatrick faced only eight batters before giving up the five runs in the seventh inning.
Roman Gabriel, running for Travis Wilson, was first to cross home plate and was then followed quickly by Gareth Cook, who was running for captain Jarrad Martin.
A Danny Hale home run which also scored Rhys Casley and Nathan Nukunuku slammed home New Zealand's superiority.
"Australia are a very good side and we had to play outstandingly well to come out on top," New Zealand coach Eddie Kohlhase said. "Although there were not too many opportunities in the final, our guys were just too good to let another chance go by."
Defensively the Black Sox were just as outstanding with Jeremy Manley playing one of his best games in the black shirt. The Hutt Valley pitcher faced 23 batters and gave up only two hits while taking 11 strikeouts.
Manley was also well supported by his fielders with only two Australian players managing to get past first base.
Despite losing the final Australia also qualified as the second Oceania team for next year's world championships in Saskatoon, Canada.
- NZPA
