Softball: Women gain win over Italy

New Zealand claimed their second win of the world softball championships with a 1-0 win over Italy this morning (NZ time) in Beijing, China.

The win kept the White Sox, who have lost one from three pool matches so far, in the running for a spot in the finals playoffs.

In a tight game, New Zealand broke through when Melanie Hulme got on base with a triple before scoring on a single by Melisa Upu.

An error-free defence, with pitcher Ali Arnold giving up just two hits in the whole game, kept the Italians scoreless.

To qualify for the top eight playoffs the White Sox have to finish in the top four of their pool.

After three days, New Zealand are fourth in their pool with tough games against hosts China today and defending champions United States tomorrow -- both unbeaten so far.

The US had a tough 4-0 win over previously unbeaten Canada while China despatched Korea 2-0 in other pool matches today.

New Zealand's key matches will come on Friday and Saturday when they take on Britain and Korea. Wins for New Zealand will ensure they qualify for the playoffs.

In the other pool there are also two unbeaten teams with Athens Olympics silver medallists Australia and Japan leading the way.

Australia beat Chinese Taipei 7-0 in five innings while Japan were made to work hard for a 3-2 victory over Greece.

RESULTS

Pool A: China 2 Korea 0, USA 4 Canada 0, Great Britain 4 South Africa 0, NEW ZEALAND 1 Italy 0.

Pool B: Japan 3 Greece 2, Netherlands 11 Botswana 0, Venezuela 7 Colombia 0, Australia 7 Chinese Taipei 0.

- NZPA