Softball: Five-run flurry gives hosts winning edge

By JULIE ASH in Christchurch


Black Sox assistant coach Eddie Kohlhase has faith in his side's defence, despite the New Zealanders giving up three easy runs in last night's clash with Venezuela.

New Zealand's powerful batting line-up came through to secure a comfortable 11-3 win in six innings in Christchurch.

But in the fourth inning the Black Sox looked vulnerable.

Up 5-0, they let their opposition back in the game and in the bottom of the fourth their lead was reduced to just two, 5-3.

"We got off to a good start, we are very happy with that, but our intensity drifted a bit, which was disappointing," Kohlhase said.

"But all credit to Venezuela. They are a good side who will be disappointed with what they have done so far in the tournament."

For New Zealand the match is the second where lapses in the field have let their opponents back in the game.

Against the Netherlands, the New Zealanders allowed their opposition to score five runs in one inning.

Such lapses could prove extremely costly against heavyweights the United States and Japan.

"We have pride in our defence," Kohlhase said. "Our aim is to shut teams out, but that's the ball game and in saying that, it is something we need to work on.

"But I guess the beauty of this team is that they are relentless in their approach. Their ability to come back straight away is a good sign."

The Venezuelans, who have had a disappointing tournament, went through four pitchers in the match. New Zealand started with Jim Wana, who had a perfect record up until the third inning when he was replaced by Michael Gaiger, who was at the mound for the rest of the match.

"Jim started well, which was pleasing because that is what we wanted to do in this game, start well. Michael is just getting better with every innings and we have confidence with where we are at," Kohlhase said.


New Zealand made an outstanding start, racing out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning.

Dion Nukunuku was the first to score after he was hit home by Mark Sorenson.

Thomas Makea then unleashed a hit over the fence which got three runners home.

However, it was a long, cold wait for those at Christchurch's Smokefree Ball Park as the Black Sox failed to add to their tally until the sixth inning.

Brad Rona was the first to add to the score, hitting a home run.

Roman Gabriel was brought home by Nukunuku before Donny Hale clobbered one into the back row of the stand, getting himself and Nukunuku home.

Rona was the man of the moment a few minutes later when he stepped up to the plate with all of the New Zealand's bases loaded.

With one ball and two strikes the Venezuelans decided it was time to change pitchers for the fourth time, and in came Erik Urbaneja.

But Rona wasn't fazed and struck a beautifully-placed centre-field shot which got Thomas Makea and Taifai Maitai in.

The United States continued their impressive run with a 5-0 win over Great Britain.

They had New Zealander Michael White pitching and Great Britain had another New Zealander, Steve Jackson, on the mound. Both played for New Zealand in the 1984 world championships.

Competing in opposite sides of the draw, the United States and New Zealand are the only two unbeaten sides with just one pool play match remaining before the start of the playoffs tomorrow.

New Zealand face Canada today at 5pm.

In last night's late match, Australia beat Samoa 8-0 after five innings.