After losing 10-1 in the first game of the doubleheader against third-ranked at the in Fort Myers, Florida on April 25, 2021, the Team Italy women’s softball squad tried to rebound by putting their ace in the pitcher’s circle. Italian manager Federico PizzolinI called on starting pitcher Greta Cecchetti, while Canada sent out Toronto all-star pitcher Jenna Caira.
Team Italy leadoff hitter Laura Vigna singled, but opposing pitcher Jenna Caira induced at textbook 6-4-3 double play to end the top of the first inning. Azzurre ace Greta Cecchetti did not have it so easy as the Canadian offense went right to work and scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Team Italy slugger Erika Piancastelli tried to get something going with a leadoff single to left field in the top of the second inning, but the Italians came up empty.
Perhaps a bit shaken up after a rough start, Greta Cecchetti looked like her usual confident self when she pitched three consecutive scoreless innings. Canada went to their bullpen in the top of the fifth inning and brought out ace Danielle Lawrie. Andrea Filler was able connect with a fastball for a solo home run that cleared the center field fence and put Team Italy on the board.
Canada added an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth inning to go on top 4-1. Team Italy needed some offense fast approaching the top of the sixth inning with time running out, but Danielle Lawrie dug deep and retired the side. Team Italy starting pitcher Greta Cecchetti was replaced by reliever Alice Nicolini in the bottom of the sixth inning, when the Canadians rallied for another three runs to make it a 7-1 game.
Emily Carosone and Beatrice Ricchi singled in the top of the seventh inning, but Danielle Lawrie sealed the deal for Canada. Despite losing both games of the doubleheader, Team Italy is beginning to gain some traction during Florida Spring Training. With more experience playing live games, the Azzurre squad is poised to develop into a force to reckoned with in the Tokyo Olympics. In fact, Team Italy can take out revenge on Canada when they go head-to-head in Japan on July 26, 2021.
In the meantime, viewers can watch tomorrow’s doubleheader livestream of the 11 am and 1:30 pm (ET) exhibition games between Italy and Canada by clicking . In addition, live scoring stats can be followed by clicking . Forza #Italia! #PerEnrico
by Roberto Angotti
