Softball World Championships: New Zealand thump Botswana

Tyron Bartorillo scored a run for New Zealand.
Tyron Bartorillo scored a run for New Zealand. Photo credit: Photosport

The Black Sox have recovered from a shock loss to Mexico, thumping Botswana at the softball world championships in the Czech Republic.

Twenty-four hours after the 5-4 defeat against the North Americans, New Zealand bounced back in style, ending the game via the mercy rule after five innings.

The Black Sox scored three runs in the first inning and never looked like giving up that lead, with pitcher Daniel Chapman hurling 12 strikes in a shut-out performance.

The Kiwis pressured Botswana pitcher Kagiso Mogale early, earning three walks in the opening inning and running bases aggressively.

Lead-off batter Ben Enoka sent a home run over the left-field fence in the fourth inning, also scoring Tyron Bartorillo to put the game beyond reach for the Africans.

The 7-0 scoreline puts New Zealand back on track before their clash with unbeaten Japan on Wednesday morning. 

Newshub.