Black Sox tear Japan apart to raise world softball title hopes

World championships batting star Tyron Bartorillo continued his home run assault against Japan. Photo / Dean Purcell

The Black Sox softballers have smashed Japan by 8 -1 in the clash between two of the top ranked teams at the world championships in Canada.

Rain in Whitehorse forced the game to be suspended overnight with Japan leading 1 - 0 in the battle to find the top ranked team from section B.

It was all one way traffic when it resumed this morning, with Japan making a surprising and disastrous pitching change when Kento Okazaki came to the mound.

Okazaki has played for Auckland club Ramblers and the Black Sox made the most of that familiarity, with Campbell Enoka starting the charge by getting on base thanks to a fielder's choice.

Black Sox captain Nathan Nukunuku, who is player coach for Ramblers, was particularly punishing on his Ramblers team mate with two home runs and five RBIs.

Canterbury third base Tyrone Bartorillo continued his magnificent hitting form when he drove the ball for his fifth home run of the tournament being hosted by reigning world champions Canada.

Bartorillo collected his 11th RBI at the championships and all through home runs. Enoka brought the game to an early conclusion, with an outfield double to bring in the eighth run.

Pitcher Josh Pettett , from Wellington, took eight strikeouts and gave up just four hits in tricky conditions.

The Black Sox play Venezuela at 11.30am (NZ time) where they will be favoured to nail top spot in their pool.