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Black Sox skipper Rhys Casley completed a miraculous comeback from injury to provide a winning three-run homer and secure New Zealand’s sixth title at the world softball championship.
New Zealand defeated Venezuela 4-1 in the final at Auckland’s Rosedale Park on Sunday, coming back after Venezuela started strongly when John Zambrano’s sacrifice fly to the right field gave Iran Paez time to cross home at the top of the first inning.
Patrick Shannon belted a home run in the bottom of the second to level the scores, before Casley’s homer in the bottom of the third brought in Brad Rona and Daniel Milne.
Jeremy Manley backed up from a top effort on Saturday, pitching the entire game for six strikeouts and three hits.
Casley required surgery after badly injuring his throwing shoulder last year and was still doubtful as recently as two weeks ago, when reserve Nathan Nukunuku was called into the squad as cover.
But operating mainly as a designated player, Casley came up with the goods when it counted.
Venezuela earned a place in the final after beating defending champions Australia 2-0 earlier on Sunday morning