Softball: Otago land top pitcher

Black Sox world series captain Jarrad Martin will play for Otago in softball's National Provincial Cup starting in Wanganui on Boxing Day.

In a surprise move, Softball New Zealand approached Otago coach John Scholten and asked him to make room for Martin.

Black Sox coach Don Tricker wants his top pitchers to have game time as a part of their preparation to defend the world series title in Christchurch starting next month.

"They wanted Jarrad to have some diamond time, particularly pitching, and we're lucky enough to be the benefactor," Scholten said yesterday.

"He's going to be a huge asset for us. The young players in our side are going to learn so much from playing alongside someone like Jarrad. It's an experience they will never forget."

Martin was previously with the Wellington club Poneke-Kilbirnie.

Nine teams will play in the provincial cup, with Otago the only South Island side.

- NZPA