Team Italy suffers first defeat at U15 Softball World Cup to Mexico
Despite having several opportunities to score, Team Italy suffered a 4-0 shutout to Mexico under the lights on the Komazawa diamond in Tokyo at the U15 Softball World Cup on Sunday, October 22, 2023
After defeating New Zealand via mercy rule in a five-inning 7-0 shutout the night prior, Team Italy fell victim to a 4-0 shutout to Mexico in Komazawa at the U15 Softball World Cup on Sunday, October 22, 2023. The Italians missed out on their chances to capitalize on five hits, six walks and a defensive error and came up short.
Team Italy manager Maristella Perizzolo used the same starting lineup to beat New Zealand against Mexico: Giulia Colino (2B), Caterina Turci (3B), Alida Campioni (SS), Letizia Giunchi (CF), Giorgia Colino (RF), Rebecca Soldi (DP), Giulia Calzolari (LF), Margot Lenassini (C), Sveva Mariotti (1B), Giulia Squalizza (P).
The euphoria of a leadoff single by Giulia Colino in the top of the first inning was short-lived as she was caught stealing second base. The Mexicans took control of the game early in the bottom of the second inning when scoring twice. After Aryanna Salazar singled and Danyela Mandujano reached first base on a fielding error by Caterina Turci, a squeeze bunt by Romina Casillas and an infield single from Katya Alarcon gave Mexico a 2-0 advantage.
Lefty reliever Federica Forlani replaced starting pitcher Giulia Squalizza to stop the bleeding with a second-inning-ending strikeout and flyout. In fact, she kept the Mexicans off the board for the next two innings and allowed just one run on four hits with five strikeouts and one walk in four innings of work.
Team Italy threatened to score off opposing pitcher Analia Lopez in the top of the third inning. Margot Lenassini walked, Giulia Colino collected her second of three hits in the game, and Caterina Turci also walked but the Italians failed to cash in.
Back-to-back infield singles by Letizia Giunchi and Giorgia Colino in the top of the fourth inning yielded nothing for Team Italy. The Italians missed out on another scoring opportunity in the top of the fifth inning when Giulia Colino reached first on an infield error and Caterina Turci walked but nobody crossed the plate.
Mexico added one run in the bottom of the fifth inning after doubles by Izarely Almaguer and Karina Rodriguez. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Team Italy went to the bullpen and summoned Rebecca Soldi after reliever Federica Forlani surrendered a single to Giana Castillo. Subsequent singles by Savannah Vargas and Sophia Hernandez resulted in Mexico’s 4-0 lead.
In the top of the seventh inning, Team Italy had the bases loaded after a walk to Giulia Calozari, a single by Giulia Colino and another walk to Caterina Turci; however, a game-ending strikeout of Alida Campioni preserved the 4-0 shutout for Mexico.
