After an epic come-from-behind extra innings 7-6 win over Mexico just before midnight, a sleep-deprived Team Italy returned for an early morning workout before the Canada Cup playoff game against undefeated Japan at Softball City in Surrey, British Columbia on Saturday, July 15, 2023.
Having lost to softball powerhouse Japan 8-0 via mercy rule in six innings during the Canada Cup debut at Softball City in Surrey, British Columbia on July 10, 2023, Team Italy knew it would be an uphill battle against the Japanese starting pitcher Sakura Miwa, who held the Italians scoreless and only allowed three hits (singles by Giulia Longhi, Erika Piancastelli and Alessandra Rotondo) when they played earlier in the week. All she gave up on this day was a walk to Erika Piancastelli in the top of the first inning and a single by Andrea Filler in the top of the second inning,
The Azzurre lineup card looked like this: Marta Gasparotto, 1B; Laura VIgna, LF; Erika Piancastelli, RF; McKenzie Barbara, DP; Andrea Filler, 2B; Melany Sheldon, SS; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Elisa Cecchetti, 1B; Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; and Christina Toniolo, P. Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini called on starting pitcher Christina Toniolo, who returned on short rest after throwing four scoreless innings and allowing just three hits against Australia A in the 8-0 mercy-rule victory on Friday, July 14, 2023.
Like a well-oiled machine firing on all cylinders, Japan took control of the game early and did not look back after scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Team Italy starter Christina Toniolo surrendered a two-out double in the bottom of the first inning to Kanna Kudo. Then Hotarou Tsukamoto hit a two-run homer over the center field fence. After a single by Hitomi Kawabata, a walk to Minori Naito and an Infield single by Yui Nakamizo, Risa Kawamura connected with a two RBI single. Yui Nakamizo later crossed the plate on a throw to second base on a stolen base attempt for the third out but not before Japan scored run number five.
Azzurre pitcher Christina Toniolo dug down deep and tossed a scoreless bottom of the second inning. Japan reliever Misaki Katsumata entered the ballgame in the top of the third inning and gave up a leadoff single to Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, who was thrown out at second base on a stolen base attempt.
Starter Christina Toniolo was helped by a great over-the-head basket catch in deep right field by Erika Piancastelli to keep the game close after allowing a single by Hitomi Kawabata in the bottom of the third inning.
Facing reliever Misaki Katsumata, Team Italy slugger McKenzie Barbara crushed a solo home run over the right field fence and adjacent tent to cut the deficit to four.
Down 5-1, the Italians needed to quell the Japan offense and that’s exactly what pitcher Christina Toniolo did in the bottom of the fourth inning with some impressive defense behind her. A diving groundout at first base by Elisa Cecchetti, a catch in the sun by right fielder Laura Vigna and a shortstop Melany Sheldon catch which deflected off the Italian pitcher kept Japan off the board.
Giulia Koutsoyanopulos collected her second single of the game in the top of the fifth inning, but Team Italy was unable to cash in as the lone baserunner was left stranded on the bases without scoring.
Pitcher Christina Toniolo looked better than ever, throwing a scoreless bottom of the fifth inning. After a leadoff single to Hotaru Tsukamoto, Haruka Sumitani hit into a 6-4-3 double play and Minori Naito grounded out to second.
Team Italy came up empty in the top of the sixth inning. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Japan added three runs to end the game via mercy rule. After back-to-back singles by Yui Nakamizo and Nodoka Harada, Yume Kiriishi hit a two-run triple to chase Christina Toniolo out of the ballgame and summon reliever Alexia Lacatena out of the bullpen. A walk to Ayane Nakagawa was followed by a sacrifice fly from Kyoko Ishokawa to conclude the contest via mercy rule with Japan prevailing in the 8-1 victory.
CANADA CUP STANDINGS AND SCORES
The Italians return to play another game later tonight at 11:30 pm (ET) against the winner of the contest between fifth-seed Israel (3-4) and eighth-seed Greece (0-7).
If Team Italy wins the game, the Azzurre softball squad will continue in the Canada Cup playoffs on Sunday, July 16, 2023 beginning at 4 pm (ET) and concluding with the Gold Medal Final taking place at 9 pm (ET). Watch all the action on the Canada Cup Livestream.
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
TEAM ITALY ROSTER
CANADA CUP OFFICIAL SCHEDULE
LIVESTREAM
Read also: Team Italy beats Mexico 7-6 in extra innings and faces Japan in Canada Cup playoffs
(Photo of the Team Italy slugger Marta Gasparotto and the Azzurre softball squad before the Canada Cup playoff game against Japan by Roberto Angotti)
