After upsetting Canada 6-2 in the Canada Cup playoffs just minutes prior, Team Italy returned to battle second-seed TC Colorado at Softball City in Surrey on Sunday afternoon, July 16, 2023. The Italians sought revenge after having been defeated 2-1 by the American D1 college all-star studded TC Colorado squad in Canada Cup round-robin action on Thursday, July 13, 2023.
TC Colorado starting pitcher Courtney Coppersmith faced the following Italian lineup: Marta Gasparotto, SS; Laura Vigna, LF; Erika Piancastelli, RF; McKenzie Barbara, DP; Andrea Filler, 1B; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Melany Sheldon, SS; Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; Alessandra Rotondo, 2B; and Alexia Lacatena, P.
Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini gave the ball to starting pitcher Alexia Lacatena, who gave up singles to Daniela Coffey and Sarah Gordon in the top of the first inning but a double play assisted by Alessandra Rotondo at second base helped her get out of a jam.
TC Colorado countered with starting pitcher Courtney Coppersmith. The Italians missed out on an opportunity in the bottom of the first inning when Laura Vigna and McKenzie Barbara were issued walks but were left stranded on the bases.
Alexia Lacatena looked good, striking out Jackie Lis and having an easy 1-2-3 out top of the second inning. Team Italy could not capitalize on a walk to Giulia Koutsoyanopulos in the bottom of the second inning and failed to score.
In the top of the third inning, TC Colorado got two runs on the board. McKenzie Wilson walked and Daniela Coffey collected her second hit of the game. Then back-to-back RBI singles by Sarah Gordon and Hannah Gammil gave TC Colorado a 2-0 lead. An error by Giulia Longhi at third base loaded the bases, but an Alexia Lacatena strikeout of pinch hitter Hailey Morrow limited the damage.
In the bottom of the third inning, TC Colorado went to the bullpen and summoned left-handed hurler Cassidy Curd, who went 18-3 in 127.1 innings with 159 strikeouts and a 1.65 ERA during the 2023 regular season at Duke University. Despite offering a walk to Laura Vigna, she held the Italians scoreless.
Team Italy also went to the bullpen in the top of the fourth inning and brought in reliever Christina Toniolo, who gave up a single to Tallen Edwards. However, a double play assist by Andrea Filler at first base followed by a strikeout was all that was needed to stop any potential TC Colorado rally.
The Italians tried to get something started in the bottom of the fourth inning after a single from McKenzie Barbara, but Andrea Filler hit into a 6-4-3 double play.
Daniela Coffey registered her third base hit to start the top of the fifth inning. A walk to Erin Coffey and an infield throwing error to first base after a bunt by Sarah Gordon yielded TC Colorado two runs. Down 4-0 with a runner in scoring position with no out, reliever Alice Nicolini entered the ballgame and walked Hannah Gammil. A 6-4-3 double play followed by a strikeout of Hailey Morrow stopped the bleeding.
Alessandra Rotondo singled in the bottom of the fifth inning but was left on the bases. After giving up a single to Jalia Lassiter in the top of the sixth inning, Alice Nicolini struck out the hot-hitting Daniela Coffey to silence the TC Colorado offense.
McKenzie Barbara hit an infield single in the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Italians came up empty again.
TC Colorado scored six runs in the top of the seventh inning. Alice Nicolini issued back-to-back walks to Erin Coffey and Sarah Gordon. A sacrifice bunt by Nikki McGaffin put both runners in scoring position. Rylin Hedgecock delivered a two-run single to put TC Colorado on top 6-0. A double by Jackie Lis chased Alice Nicolini out of the ballgame. Reliever Ilaria Cacciamani came in to keep the game within reach. Tallen Edwards hit a two-run double to give TC Colorado a comfortable 8-0 lead. After a strikeout of McKenzie Wilson, Jalia Lassiter singled and stole second base. Then Daniela Coffey hit an RBI double to make it a 10-0 game.
Team Italy was unable to generate any offense in the bottom of the seventh inning off reliever Kierson Deal, and TC Colorado prevailed in the 10-0 shutout over the Italians.
CANADA CUP STANDINGS AND SCORES
Bronze medal winner Team Italy departs for the homeland tomorrow to prepare for the Softball World Cup Group Stage C in Castions di Strada and Buttrio, Italy from July 22-26, 2023.
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
TEAM ITALY ROSTER
CANADA CUP RESULTS
CANADA CUP PLAY OFF BRACKET
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Read also: Team Italy upsets Canada 6-2 and plays TC Colorado for right to battle Japan in Canada Cup Championship Final
(Photo of Team Italy showing off the bronze medal at the Canada Cup by Roberto Angotti)
