New Zealand Black Sox sought revenge as they dominated day two of the Men’s International Fastpitch Test Series after play was delayed due to inclement weather throughout the morning.
Losing last night’s game at the hands of Australia Gold, the Black Sox were determined not to have the same result when they met Australia Green in a high scoring affair in tonight’s first game on diamond 1. The Black Sox made their intentions early jumping to a 4-0 lead after the second innings.
A combination of errors in the field by Australia Green, allowed the Black Sox to pile on a further five runs in the bottom of the fourth looking set to win by the run ahead rule.
With Australia Green requiring two runs to keep the game alive, Aaron Boccardo converted the required runs after he hit a home run over right-centre allowing himself and Craig Bingley who was safe a 1st to get home. Australia Green did not stop there, mounting a strong charge scoring a further four runs in the innings to swing the momentum of the game in their favour.
The Black Sox regrouped and once again took control of the game scoring a further run to all but close the door on Australia Green’s resurgence, running away with the game 12-7.
After strong performances on day one, Australia Gold struggled to back up that performance handing Argentina their first win of the series. In the top of the first, with two safe on base, Argentina’s Mauricio Cáceres stepped up the plate hitting a home run over left field bringing home Juan Brandauer and Fernando Petric to take an early three run lead. Australia Gold could not recapture their attacking game from yesterday’s play, as Argentine pitcher Juan Potolicchio dominated with a complete game shut-out leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory.
In the Black Sox second game they easily accounted for Argentina winning 9-1 in just five innings. The Black Sox picked up where they left off against Australia Green as Tyson Byrne, Wayne Laulu and Brad Rona scored in the first innings. The Black Sox scored a further run in the third innings and finished the game in the fifth after recording five runs, instilling confidence throughout the group heading into tomorrow’s final day’s play.
Following Australia Gold’s shock loss to Argentina they had a lot to prove when they face Australia Green for the second time. In another high scoring match Australia Gold were once again to good for their fellow countrymen Australia Green winning 14-7, putting themself in a strong position to advance through to tomorrow night’s Grand Final.
Tomorrow play continues from 10:30am with two games scheduled before the finals begin