Softball: Black Sox keep perfect record

New Zealand made it four wins from four at the Pacific Series men's softball tournament in Japan last night following high-scoring wins over Japan and Australia.

The Black Sox came from behind to defeat Australia 9-5 before easily beating Japan 7-0 at the Shellcom Dome in Sendai.

The Japanese scoreline was a repeat of their opening-night result against the hosts, with New Zealand packing too much batting and pitching power.

Standout performers with the bat were infielders Brad Rona and Travis Wilson, who both recorded three hits from four turns at bat.

Home runs went to Wilson, Donny Hale and Stephen Ratu.

Michael Gaiger pitched the full game, facing 28 batters and taking nine strikeouts while giving up just five hits.

The Black Sox were pushed a lot harder by Australia, who scored their five runs in the first inning.

Two home runs from Thomas Makea and a strong performance from pitcher Jeremy Manley saw New Zealand come from behind to win in a tiebreaker.

Black Sox captain Jarrad Martin started the game on the mound but he couldn't keep a lid on the Australian hitters, facing just seven batters and giving up three hits and five runs.

Manley replaced Martin in the first inning and reined in the Australian batters in as they recorded just one further hit in the game.

Manley faced 30 batters, taking eight strikeouts.

The Black Sox fought back to level the scores 5-5 after seven innings, forcing the tiebreaker.

Wellington outfielder Makea then smashed his second home run of the game to seal the win for New Zealand.

- NZPA