Facing softball powerhouse USA, Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini called on starting pitcher Alexia Lacatena. After a leadoff walk to Haylie McCleney and a single by Amanda Lorenz, Team Italy center fielder Giulia Koutsoyanopulos robbed Charla Echols of extra bases and an RBI with a diving shoestring catch.
Starter Alexia Lacatena issued a walk to cleanup hitter Hannah Flippen to load the bases for Kinzie Hansen, who connected with an RBI single up the middle and put the first run of the game on the board.
Italian skipper Federico Pizzolini immediately ran out to the circle to have a meeting with his pitcher and infielders. The talk paid off as Dejah Mulipola's ground ball to third was cleanly fielded by Giulia Longhi, who got the force out at home plate with a strike to catcher Elisa Princic.
Taylor Pleasants followed with two-run single just out of reach of second baseman Melany Sheldon. Another run crossed the plate when Michelle Moultrie put down a perfect bunt in between pitcher Alexia Lacatena and first baseman Sara Edwards.
With Team Italy down 4-0, the young and talented Alexia Lacatena tossed scoreless second and third innings with the support of a solid Azzurre defense. Highlights included a 5-4-3 double play, a nice catch by third baseman Giulia Longhi and a great play at second base by Melany Sheldon.
After Jenae Jefferson hit a leadoff triple in the top of the fourth inning, Haylie McCleney drilled a sacrifice fly to deep left field to allow USA to score another run. Outfielder Laura Vigna tracked the ball to the fence and caught the ball slamming her hand in the process. She quickly recovered as the grinder caught another flyout immediately afterward. Right fielder Fabrizia Marrone also showed good range when catching the third out of the inning.
After four complete innings, USA had a comfortable 5-0 advantage. Back-to-back singles by Kinzie Hansen and Dejah Mulipola in the top of the fifth inning was followed by a fielder's choice by Taylor Pleasants. A sacrifice fly by Michelle Moultrie put USA on top 6-0.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, reliever Montana Fouts entered the pitcher's circle for USA and struck out the side of Sarah Edwards, Elisa Princic and Giulia Koutsoyanopulos.
Alice Nicolini pitched scoreless sixth and seventh innings for Team Italy. Seemingly depleted of any energy after suffering a 10-4 loss to Canada earlier in the day, the Italians were unable to generate any offense late in their second game of the day against USA. Short of a single by Elisa Princic in the bottom of the seventh inning, there was nothing left in the tank for the Italians.
USA-ITALY BOX SCORE
Team Italy returns to Hoover Met Stadium for a contest against Chinese Taipei at Hoover Met Stadium on Monday, 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
THE WORLD GAMES 2022 SOFTBALL NEWS
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy pitcher Alexia Lacatena against USA in the World Games 2022 by Simone Amaduzzi Photography)
