Softball: Black Sox power to victory

Big hitting from the Black Sox has carried the national men's softball team to victory in the final of the Commonwealth Championship in Melbourne.

The world champions defeated Australia 5-3 in the final yesterday, after falling behind by two runs in the third inning to claim the title.

"We are very happy, to win any international tournament is always an honour. The team played very very well," Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said.

Throughout the five day tournament the Black Sox have had the hitting power to get themselves out of trouble and again today it proved valuable.

They started strongly picking up one run in their first at bat when Nathan Nukunuku came home on a hit by Jarrad Martin.

In the second inning good pressure hitting saw the home side score three runs courtesy of four hits and one fielding error.

In the top of the third inning power hitter Travis Wilson smashed the ball over the left field fence for his fourth home run of the championship then Brad Rona repeated the dose in the top of the fourth hitting the ball out of the park, this time with Jarrad Martin on base to add another two runs.

The Black Sox added another run in the top of the sixth inning.

On the mound pitcher Marty Grant faced 28 batters giving up six hits and three walks while taking two strikeouts.

Kohlhase believed it was a combination of strong defence and good hitting that won his team the title.

"It came down to hitting and good defence, Marty Grant started well then he gave up a couple of runs but he finished very strongly.

"He was backed up by some outstanding defence and the outfield of Thomas Makea, Gus Leger and Daniel Milne made some outstanding outs."

- NZPA