KEY POINTS:
The Black Sox opened their pursuit of a hat-trick of Pacific Series softball titles with a 7-1 win over Japan in Canberra yesterday.
The New Zealanders made a flying start with four runs in the first inning, thanks largely to a Jarrad Martin double with bases loaded, which brought home three runners.
A solo home run by Brad Rona in the fifth inning and a sixth inning double to Gareth Cook, which scored two runs, sealed the win for coach Eddie Kohlhase's side.
The Black Sox have won both previous editions of the Pacific Series since its inception in 2005.
