Softball: Bay pitcher stars in battering of Israel

Saints teammates Jacob Zurcher and Adam Woon (right).

Hawke's Bay softball pitcher Adam Woon celebrated his Junior World Series debut in dominant fashion in Michigan yesterday.

Woon didn't concede a run as the Junior Black Sox walloped Israel 17-0 in four innings. He had Maraenui Pumas utility Callum Carson as his catcher in the match.

Woon's Saints teammate Jacob Zurcher had the designated player's role and picked two walks for the team, coached by Hawke's Bay's four-time world champion Thomas Makea.

In their second outing yesterday the Junior Black Sox were beaten 1-0 by Japan, their first loss in three matches.

Zurcher again had the designated player's role and picked one walk during his three turns at bat. Woon didn't play in the loss and Carson made contact during his sole turn at bat as a late substitute.

Japanese pitcher Reo Joyama collected 13 strikeouts and conceded one hit. Wellington pitcher Sam Marley started on the mound for the Kiwis and lasted 3 innings.

Marley conceded one run and one walk while collecting two strikeouts. Aucklander Daniel Chapman replaced Marley and during his 3 innings, collected five strikeouts while conceding two hits.

Japan scored the only run of the game in the fourth inning on an RBI triple from Takaya Kawaraguchi. The Junior Black Sox are scheduled to play Mexico this morning.

In other games yesterday defending champions Argentina thrashed Denmark 17-1, the US walloped Botswana 14-0 and Mexico beat South Africa 8-1.