Thomas Enoka's grand-slam home run set up a 7-0 win over Botswana, as the NZ Black Sox finished on top of their section at the men's softball world championships in Calgary.
Botswanan pitcher Karabo Motsholathebe put his team under pressure in the first inning of the game by loading the bases and walking in a run to give New Zealand a 1-0 lead.
That brought Enoka to the plate and a great opportunity to stretch the lead early. Enoka, a world-class hitte who had struggled during the tournament thus far, took the ball deep to give the Black Sox a healthy 5-0 lead.
In the bottom of the third, strongman Wayne Laulu chalked up the Kiwis' second dinger of the day, crushing one out of the yard with a runner on to take New Zealand to seven.
The score remained at 7-0 until the fifth inning, enough for the Black Sox to apply the international mercy rule and complete the game.
Nik Hayes started on the mound for New Zealand and was replaced by southpaw Karl Gollan in the fourth inning. Campbell Gibson came on in the fifth to close the game out.
It was the last opportunity for Black Sox management to ensure all players - and the pitching staff in particular - were ready for the business end of the tournament, commencing at 2pm (NZT) tomorrow.
New Zealand finished on top of Section B on countback from Japan and Venezuela, and will face either Australia or United States at the next stage.
