Team Italy wins U15 Softball World Cup debut with 7-0 mercy-rule shutout over New Zealand
Team Italy pitcher Giulia Squalizza threw a three-hitter with four strikeouts and one walk in the five-inning 7-0 mercy-rule shutout over New Zealand at Komazawa Olympic Park in Tokyo on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The Italians return tomorrow for a U15 Softball World Cup clash against Mexico at 6 pm (local time).
In the U15 Softball World Cup debut game against New Zealand, Team Italy U15 softball manager Maristella Perizzolo put together a lineup that looked like this: Giulia Colino (2B), Caterina Turci (3B), Alida Campioni (SS), Letizia Giunchi (LF), Giorgia Colino (RF), Rebecca Soldi (DP) , Giulia Calzolari (LF), Margot Lenassini (C), Sveva Mariotti (1B), while handing the ball off to right-handed pitcher Giulia Squalizza.
After witnessing the classic haka that opens New Zealand's games, the Team Italy U15 softball squad needed only one inning to make an adjustment on opposing starting pitcher Angela Harrison to get the offense rolling in the bottom of the second inning. Letizia Giunchi hit an infield single, advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI single by Giorgia Colino. An ensuing outfield error allowed Giorgia Colino to cross the plateand Team Italy to take a 2-0 lead.
The Italians added two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Another outfield error enabled Alida Campioni to reach second base. She stole third base and scored on a throwing error by pitcher Angela Harrison. Then Giorgia Colino walked, stole second base and crossed the plate on an RBI single by Rebecca Soldi.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, reliever Yvanni Gibson entered the ballgame. A single by Margot Lenassini and a double by Letizia Giunchi compounded by defensive errors and stolen bases resulted in three more runs for Team Italy. The Italians went on to win the game 7-0 via mercy rule after silencing New Zealand in the top of the fifth inning.
