Undefeated Team Italy beats Canada 6-1 before weather halts Softball World Cup game against Philippines
The Italians beat Canada 6-1 on July 23, 2023 and returned the following day to only have their game against Philippines halted due to weather in the bottom of fourth inning with the score tied 1-1. The contest will resume on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 6 am (ET). Team Italy concludes Softball World Cup Group Stage C Opening Round play with a battle against Japan later at 2 pm (ET).
Prior to the start of the Softball World Cup Group Stage C game between Team Italy and Canada at Campo da Baseball-Softball G. Michelutti in Buttrio on Sunday, July 23, 2023, Buttrio MayorEliano Bassi threwout the ceremonial first pitch.
Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini handed the ball off to starting pitcher Christina Toniolo, who performed like a champion in six innings of work. Backed by an excellent defense highlighted by web gem plays from right fielder Erika Piancastelli and shortstop Melany Sheldon, the right-handed hurler allowed just one run on four hits with one strikeout and two walks. Christina Toniolo commented, "I just went out there, did my thing, and had the defense behind me. I couldn't be more proud to wear Italia across my chest." Closer Alexia Lacatena pitched a hitless seventh inning with one strikeout to secure the 6-1 Team Italy victory over Canada.
The Italians scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the third inning off Canada starter Dawn Bodrug. Team Italy captain Giulia Longhi singled up the middle, advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Alessandra Rotondo and crossed the plate on an RBI single from Marta Gasparotto.
Team Italy added five more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Back-to-back singles by McKenzie Barbara and Andrea Filler prompted Canada to go to the bullpen and summon reliever Sara Groenewegen. Giulia Koutsoyanopulos loaded the bases with a swinging bunt. Two-run singles from Giulia Longhi and Marta Gasparotto coupled with a wild pitch which allowed another run to scoreput the Azzurre on top 6-0.
Canada got on the board in the top of the seventh inning when Janet Leung led off with a double and scored on an RBI single by Erika Polidori to make it a 6-1 game.
Prior to the start of the Softball World Cup Group Stage C game between Team Italy and Phillipines at Campo da Baseball-Softball G. Michelutti in Buttrio on Monday, July 24, 2023, Friuli Venezia Giulia Region Sport and Tourism Vice President Mario Anzil threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Azzurre starting pitcher Alexia Lacatena threw 3.2 innings and allowed one run on five hits with two strikeouts and no walks against Philippines before a powerful hail storm halted the game in progress.
The Team Italy offense went right to work against Philippines pitcher Glory Alonso in the top of the first inning when scoring the first run of the ballgame. Erika Piancastelli walked, stole second base and crossed the plate on an RBI double from slugger McKenzie Barbara.
Despite leadoff singles by catcher Elisa Cecchetti in the top of the second inning and Andrea Filler in the top of the fourth inning, the Azzurre came up empty in both innings.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Philippines tied the game up 1-1 after Cal Berkeley infielder Nicole Hammoude collected her second hit of the game and later scored on an RBI single by Angelu Gabriel. The contest was halted due to adverse weather conditions with two out and a runner on first base.
With the 6-1 victory over Canada, undefeated Team Italy (3-0) returns for two games on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. The resumption of the Philippines game is scheduled to take place in Castions di Strada at 6 am (ET). Then the Italians face Japan (2-1) later at 2 pm (ET) to determine the top-seed in Softball World Cup Group Stage C.In a surprise upset, Canada (3-1) edged Japan 6-5 the day prior. All games can be followed on the WBSC website through the play-by-play or watched on GameTime, the WBSC streaming platform, by purchasing the Tournament Pass or Group Pass.
(Photo of the Team Italy infield led by shortstop Melany Sheldon at the end of an inning in the Softball World Cup game against Canada by Ezio Ratti FIBS)
