Softball: Final looms for Black Sox

The Black Sox yesterday beat Australia Green 12-7 and Argentina 9-1. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

The New Zealand men's softball team remain on course to reach tomorrow's final of the international tournament in Canberra.

The Black Sox yesterday beat Australia Green 12-7 and then backed up that performance with a 9-1 win over Argentina to stay in contention for the final.

Against Australia Green, considered to be the weaker of the two Australian national teams involved in the tournament, Black Sox captain Rhys Casley led the way with three hits from his four turns at bat.

Casley's hit in the fourth inning was a home run which also scored Ben Enoka and Tyson Byrne as New Zealand stretched their lead to 9-1.

Australia Green hit back in the next inning when Black Sox pitcher Thomas Cameron gave up four hits, including a home run.

Against Argentina, who had beaten Australia Gold 3-0 earlier yesterday, the New Zealanders their opponents on the back foot from the first inning when they scored three runs through Byrne, Wayne Laulu and Brad Rona.

Four innings later the game was over with the Black Sox scoring five runs.

The Black Sox today play Australia Green and Australia Gold to complete the round robin.

- NZPA