Team Italy used the long ball against Canada to take a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning in the World Games at Hoover Met Stadium in Hoover, Alabama on Sunday afternoon, July 10, 2022. Facing 16-year-old Vancouver Island, Canada pitcher Ruby Anderson, leadoff hitter Laura Vigna homered over the right field fence. Elisa Cecchetti later singled to left field and scored on a two-run home by Giulia "Panda" Longhi.
In the top of the second, a two-out rally put another run on the board for Team Italy. After Fabrizia Marrone legged out a double to left field, Canada reliever Nicole Simpson entered the contest and surrendered an RBI single down the third base line by Laura Vigna to give Team Italy a 4-0 advantage.
In the bottom of the second inning, Canada scored three runs to cut the deficit down to one. Azzurre manager Federico Pizzolini called on starting pitcher Ilaria Cacciamani. She threw innings two innings and was charged with four runs on four hits with one strikeout and two walks. After giving up a leadoff double to Kianna Jones in the bottom of the third inning, Ilaria Cacciamani was relieved by lefty Alice Nicolini. She walked the first batter she faced and later surrendered a two-run double to allow Canada to take a 5-4 lead. The Canadians added another run in the bottom of the fourth inning to make it a 6-4 game.
The Team Italy offense went silent and could not get a break late in the contest against a solid Canada defense. Meanwhile, the Canadians added four insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
In the top of the seventh inning, Alessandra Rotondo singled to left field to end the Team Italy four-inning hitless drought. Despite a less than desirable end result, the Italians played with heart and made an admirable first impression in the World Games.
ITALY-CANADA BOX SCORE
Team Italy returns later tonight at 6:30 pm (CT) for the rescheduled game against USA. Then the Azzurre squad plays Chinese Taipei on Monday, July 11, 2022 at 1 pm (CT). The World Games softball competition continues through Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Forza #Italia!
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by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy celebrating Laura Vigna's leadoff home run against Canada in the World Games at Hoover Met Stadium on July 10, 2022 by Simone Amaduzzi Photography)
