Softball: White Sox pitcher sidelined by illness

Illness forced the New Zealand women's softball team to make significant changes before losing to a men's club team in Indonesia last night. The White Sox went down 2-5 to Seanda in Jakarta, their sixth loss in 10 matches against male opposition as they prepare for the world championship starting in China on August 27. The White Sox fielded a makeshift side after their pitching staff felt the effects of illness. Captain and infielder Fiona Timu took the mound instead, facing 23 batters, giving up six hits and four runs while taking three strikeouts. New Zealand scored early in the game with Sheree Cartwright, Cindy Potae and Melisa Upu all picking up hits. In the fifth inning Seanda came back with four safe hits, including a home run with two runners on base.

- NZPA