Softball: Tough end to tour for White Sox

The New Zealand women's softball team recorded a loss and a draw to complete their tour of Japan today.

The White Sox succumbed 1-6 to Toyota Jidou Shokki and drew 0-0 with Denso.

Wellington pitcher Lisa Such was the standout performer against Denso, facing 30 batters, taking three strikeouts and giving up two walks and three hits.

Such's teammates couldn't string hits together with the bat, with Lisa Kersten and designated player Jorja Bell the only players to record safe hits for the White Sox.

The batters didn't fire for the White Sox against Toyota Jidou Shokki as they failed to get hold of American pitcher Michelle Smith.

The New Zealanders recorded just three hits in the game while the home side picked up 11 hits.

The White Sox's only run of the game came in the third inning when Upu Lote picked up a single to centre field and then scored on a hit by Lisa Kersten.

The home side scored two runs in the third inning, one more in the fifth and another three in the sixth.

Pitcher Michelle Kingi struggled against Toyota Jidou Shokki, facing 21 batters, taking five strikeouts and giving up 11 hits and two walks.

The New Zealanders' short tour produced three wins, four losses and two draws.

- NZPA