Softball: White Sox fight back to no avail as Japanese class tells

A late five-run rally from New Zealand couldn't save them from a second successive loss to Japan under-23 at the international women's softball tri-series in Christchurch yesterday.

The White Sox were shaded 5-6, despite showing considerable fighting qualities. They also lost 1-7 to the Japanese on Friday.

The White Sox sparked into life in the bottom of the sixth inning when they trailed 0-5.

Lead-off hitter Kiri Shaw got the ball rolling by picking up a walk, followed by Jackie Smith, who forced an error in the Japanese field to leave runners at two and three.

Char Pouaka hit a single to load up the bases before Maleme Williams hit a stand-up double that scored three runs.

Api Stone O'Kane, running for Williams, and Cindy Potae then scored before the inning ended to tie the game up at 5-5.

Japan u-23s had taken the early advantage by scoring one run in the first inning, three in the fourth and another in the fifth.

Their crucial run came in the top of the seventh when lead-off hitter Ayumi Tanaka picked up a single to centre field and advanced around the bags via a stolen base and fielder's choice before scoring on a hit by Sonomi Monishita.

Pitcher Sheree Cartwright started for the White Sox, pitched five innings, faced 22 batters and gave up four hits and five runs.

Michal Tangaroa, 18, came on to relieve in the sixth inning, faced 10 batters and gave up four hits and one run.

In an earlier match the Japanese were too strong in soundly defeating the World All Stars 9-1.

- NZPA