Team Italy women’s softball squad falls victim to Australia 1-0 shutout in Tokyo Olympics

Team Italy women’s softball squad falls victim to Australia 1-0 shutout in Tokyo Olympics
22/07/2021
Team Italy played with heart but lost 1-0 to Australia during the Tokyo Olympics in Fukushima on July 22, 2021

Team Italy softball manager Federico Pizzolini took no chances on day two of the Tokyo Olympics in Fukushima and called on pitching ace Greta Cecchetti to start against Australia. The Aussies countered with starting pitcher Kaia Parnaby. Both hurlers gave up just four hits during the contest. The difference between the winning and losing pitcher was all about the timing of the hits and the end result in the box score.  Aussie Taylah Tsitsikronis doubled and later scored on an RBI single by Jade Wall in the bottom of the second inning. That is all Australia needed to win the game 1-0.

Team Italy threatened to tie and possibly take the lead late in the game. In the top of the sixth inning, Giulia Koutsoyanopulos reached first base on an infield single and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Andrea Howard. The Italians came up empty with two ensuing groundouts. Team Italy returned in the top of the seventh inning with another opportunity to score. With two out, Giulia Longhi singled and Laura Vigna walked. Australia went to the bullpen and summoned closer Ellen Roberts, who struck out Marta Gasparotto to earn the save.  The only other offense generated by Team Italy during the contest against Australia was limited to singles by Amanda Fama and Andrea Howard.

With the loss to Australia (1-1), Team Italy (0-2) needs to win the remaining Olympic games in order to keep the bronze medal hopes #PerEnrico.  The Italians travel to Yokohama to battle host Japan (2-0) on Saturday, July 24, 2021 under the lights at 8 pm (local time).  The following day Team Italy returns to Yokohama for games against Canada (1-1) at 2:30 pm and Mexico (0-2) at 8 pm. Forza #italia!

by Roberto Angotti

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Read also: Tenacious Team Italy holds USA hitless for three innings but falls short in Olympic Softball debut

(Photo of Australia’s Taylah Tsitsikronis sliding into second base against Team Italy by Shinji Oyama / WBSC)