The Team Italy women's softball squad concluded its Spring Training in the Sunshine State with a convincing 3-1 victory over in Miami on April 27, 2021. Italian manager Federico Pizzolini gave Haylie Wagner the start, and she was impressive in her Azzurre pitching debut against the . Haylie Wagner struck out the side in the first inning and allowed just three hits with nine strikeouts total in the seven-inning exhbition game to pick up the win for Team Italy.
It looked as Team Italy would get on the board in the second inning when slugger Erika Piancastelli led off with a double, but she was left stranded at third base without scoring, The FIU Golden Panthers took a slim 1-0 advantage in the bottom of the fifth inning after shortstop Jessica Rivera tripled and crossed the plate on a throwing error.
Team Italy answered in the top of the sixth inning with a three-run rally. Amanda Fama walked and advanced to third base on a double by Fabrizia Marrone. A groundout by Emily Carosone allowed Amanda Fama to score. An ensuing RBI single by Erika Piancastelli put Team Italy on top 2-1. Elisa Grifagno replaced Erika Piancastelli on the bases as a pinch runner. After an infield single from Andrea Filler and a walk to Beatrice Ricchi, Elisa Grifagno scored from third base on a passed ball to make it a 3-1 game.
On the heels of the victory in Miami, the Team Italy women's softball team now returns home to prepare for the in Friuli Venezia Giulia and the . Forza #Italia! #PerEnrico
by Roberto Angotti
