Softball: Pitcher smokes Japan for title

By CHRIS RATTUE

Marty Grant stepped out of the shadows to lead New Zealand to the world softball title in South Africa yesterday.

The 34-year-old pitcher struck out 17 of 25 batters and gave up no hits as New Zealand beat Japan 2-1 in the final at the coastal city of East London.

It was New Zealand's second consecutive world title following their triumph in Michigan four years ago, and their third in 10 world tournaments.

Their first came in 1984, also at Michigan, when the side included current captain Mark Sorenson.

Grant, the former Wellington pitcher who now lives in Nelson and plays in Christchurch, dominated against Japan's first world series finalists.

At the 1992 tournament in Manila in the Philippines, Grant was one of four pitchers used by New Zealand in the final where they were beaten 3-5 by Canada.

Grant threw just five pitches, four of them balls, before being dragged out of that game. At Michigan in 1996, he only pitched against the lower-rated sides.

"For so long Marty has played in the shadows of Michael White and Chubb Tangaroa. Tonight he got his chance and he was the man. Marty smoked them," said coach Don Tricker.

New Zealand scored the winning run in the top of the seventh innings when Thomas Makea came home on a sacrifice fly from fellow outfielder Donny Hale.

New Zealand had earlier lost 0-1 to Japan in pool play and had to beat the United States to make the final.

They continued a 16-year unbeaten World Series run against the Americans, who used former New Zealand pitchers Peter Meredith and Michael White.

It was White who pitched the perfect game as New Zealand beat Canada in the 1996 World Series final.

Captain Sorenson led the way with a huge home run off Meredith, his fourth home run of the tournament, to set up a 3-1 win.

Sorenson, one of New Zealand's greatest softballers who has been to five world championships, is now considering retirement.

"It would be a great way to step aside but I want to have a bit of a breather before making a decision," he said last night.