After suffering a 10-4 loss to Canada and a 6-0 shutout to USA the day prior, Team Italy needed a big effort against Chinese Taipei in the World Games at Hoover Met Stadium on Monday, July 11, 2022. Coming into the contest, Chinese Taipei had defeated Canada 9-4 and lost to USA 7-0.
Amanda Fama led the Team Italy offense with an RBI double in the top of the third inning and two singles later in the game. Giulia Longhi and Laura Vigna were the only other players with base hits.
Azzurre manager Federico Pizzolini called on starting pitcher Laura Bigatton. In the bottom of the first inning, an error by shortstop Anita Bartoli put the first baserunner on for Chinese Taipei. A sacrifice bunt moved the runner into scoring position. An RBI single yielded the first run of the ballgame. An ensuing 4-6-3 double played started by second baseman Alessandra Rotondo ended the inning.
Chinese Taipei threatened to add to their 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. After back-to-back walks issued by Laura Bigatton, Team Italy pitching coach Nancy Evans approached the circle for a meeting with the infield. Laura Bigatton fired back with a strikeout for the second out. Then left fielder Laura Vigna chased down a flyout to end the scoring threat.
Down 1-0 in the top of the third inning with one out, Laura Vigna singled to left field. Then Fabrizia Marrone grounded into a fielder's choice. Amanda Fama followed with an RBI double to tie the game 1-1.
Chinese Taipei capitalized on an error by second baseman Alessandra Rotondo and a walk granted by Laura Bigatton to score two more runs and take the 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning after a two-run single. Another visit by pitching coach Nancy Evans to the circle paid off as the Team Italy defense limited the damage.
The Team Italy defense shined in the bottom of the fourth inning when catcher Elisa Cecchetti gunned down a potential base stealer at second base and later again when second baseman Alessandra Rotondo jumped up to snag a high line drive to end the inning. Both teams were scoreless in the fifth inning.
Amanda Fama collected her third hit of the contest in the top of the sixth inning, but she was left stranded at first base. Team Italy reliever Alice Nicolini entered the contest in the bottom of the sixth inning with a runner on first base and no outs. The runner eventually came around to score and make it a 4-1 game.
The Team Italy offense went down quietly in the top of the seventh to succumb to Chinese Taipei.
ITALY-CHINESE TAIPEI BOX SCORE
Team Italy returns to Hoover Met Stadium for a contest against Puerto Rico at Hoover Met Stadium on Tuesday, July 11, 2022 at 1 pm (CT). The World Games softball competition continues through Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Forza #Italia!
THE WORLD GAMES 2022 SOFTBALL SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy slugger Amanda Fama against Chinese Taipei in the World Games 2022 by Simone Amaduzzi Photography)
