Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini called on starting pitcher Christina Toniolo, who threw four scoreless innings and allowed just three hits against Australia A. The Team Italy lineup looked like this: Marta Gasparotto, 1B; Alessandra Rotondo, RF; Erika Piancastelli, C; McKenzie Barbara, DP; Andrea Filler, 2B; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Melany Sheldon, SS Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; Laura Vigna, LF; and Christina Toniolo, P.
Australia A countered with starting pitcher Madi Baker from Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. She surrendered three runs in the top of the first inning before being ushered out of the ballgame. Marta Gasparotto led off with a single in the top of the first inning. Alessandra Rotondo reached first on a fielder’s choice and Erika Piancastelli walked. McKenzie Barbara followed with a two-run double in the gap and Andrea Filler hit an RBI single.
Team Italy shortstop Melany Sheldon demonstrated great range diving for a line-drive catch and robbing Alyssa Mighell of a base hit in the bottom of the first inning.
Team Italy added four runs off reliever Steph Trczinski in the top of the second inning. Giulia Koutsoyanopulos singled and advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. Then Laura Vigna hit an RBI double and Marta Gasparotto walked before Erika Piancastelli crushed a three-run home run to give the Azzurre squad a 7-0 lead
Aussie reliever Millie Fidge gave up an infield single to Melany Sheldon in the top of third inning and a solo home run to slugger McKenzie Barbara in the top of the fourth inning to make it a 8-0 game.
Team Italy brought out relief pitcher Ilaria Cacciamani to close out the fifth inning and secure the 8-0 mercy-rule victory over Australia A. After a walk and two wild pitches, Neve Adams reached third base, but a flyout and two strikeouts kept her stranded on base for the mercy-rule to remain in effect.
CANADA CUP STANDINGS AND SCORES
Team Italy concludes round-robin play against Mexico tonight at 11:30 pm (ET). If the Azzurre squad defeats the Mexicans, then the fourth-seed Italians battle top-seed Japan in the Canada Cup playoffs on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1:30 pm (ET). The competition continues through Sunday, July 16 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 crushes Greece 16-0 via mercy rule in Canada Cup
(Photo of Team Italy before the Canada Cup game against Australia by Roberto Angotti)
