Aussies Take First Step to Retaining Title

From Softball Australia:

10 December 2010

Australia have taken the first step to retaining their World Champions crown as they defeated the New Zealand Black Sox 5-1 in the Grand Final of the Men’s International Fastpitch Test Series.

After a fiery rendition of the traditional Maori Haka, there was a definite feeling in the air within the two teams. Although this was not a World Championship both teams were keen to win giving a psychological edge moving forward towards the 2013 ISF World Championship in New Zealand.

The runs started in the bottom of the second innings. With bases loaded Victorian David Edwards stepped to the plate, hitting a double to right field allowing Zenon Winters, Andrew Kirkpatrick and Mark Harris to get home.

Harris also contributed in the field doing well to get to a fly ball at the top of the third to keep the Black Sox scoreless as they looked to reduce the Australian’s lead.

Australia Gold stretched it’s lead to five as Nick Shailes got home before Man of the Match Edwards once again was a big factor with the bat in the Australians attack. Edwards finished the game with four RBI after forcing a single to left field allowing team mate Laurie Peters to score as the local team tightened their grip on the game.

The Black Sox requiring five runs to force the game into extra innings, Brad Rona put the first score on the board for the Black Sox giving the previous World Champions a glimmer of hope. That was until local ACT pitcher Andrew Kirkpatrick finished the game with Heinie Shannon struck out swinging.

Individual player awards were awarded to the exceptional players of the series. The Black Sox could take some solace as two of their players won individual accolades; Most Valuable Player – Patrick Shannon and Best Batter – Ben Enoka. Kirkpatrick took out the Best Pitcher award finishing the series with 17 strike outs.

In the consolation final Argentina won the game off the pitching of Juan Potolicchio who pitched the whole game finishing with a one hit shutout, as Argentina defeating Australia Green 4-0.

Softball Australia would like to congratulate and thank Softball ACT’s grounds men for their tireless efforts throughout the week to prepare the diamonds after bad weather threatened to cancel play.

The Australian squads next major event will be the John Reid Shield Australian Men’s Championship at Softball Centre Redlands in February. Aussie Steelers Head Coach and his coaching staff will then choose a Steelers representative team for the 2011 year.

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