After having their dreams of earning a medal in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women's Softball World Cup Finals shattered when losing 5-4 to Canada on July 17th, the Italians endured another heartbreaking 8-6 defeat in nine innings against Puerto Rico during Placement Round (5th-8th) play on Thursday, July 18, 2024.
The Team Italy lineup looked like this: Isabella Dayton, LF; Erika Piancastelli, RF; McKenzie Barbara, DP; Andrea Filler, 1B; Elisa Cecchetti, C; Laura Vigna, LF; Melany Sheldon, SS; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Alessandra Rotondo, 2B and Christina Toniolo, P.
Puerto Rico starting pitcher Taran Alvelo gave up two runs to Team Italy in the bottom of the first inning. Isabella Dayton reached first base on a bunt single. Erika Piancastelli followed with a single, and Elisa Cecchetti hit an RBI double to put the Italians on the board. Then Erika Piancastelli scored from third base on a wild pitch for the second run.
Puerto Rico answered with a pair of runs off Team Italy starter Christina Toniolo in the top of the second inning. After an RBI single by Odalys Cordova, a costly throwing error at third base from Giulia Longhi allowed another run to cross the plate.
Team Italy took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the third inning when Isabella Dayton tripled and later scored on an RBI groundout by McKenzie Barbara.
The Italians added one run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Spark plug Isabella Dayton singled, stole second base and scored on an RBI single from Andrea Filler.
Christina Toniolo (5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, ER, BB, K) was replaced by reliever Laura Bigatton (IP, 4 H, 2 R) in the top of the sixth inning when Puerto tied the game up 4-4. Losing pitcher Ilaria Cacciamani (3.0 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, BB, 3 K) entered the contest in the top of the seventh inning and remained in the circle for the remainder of the nine-inning game.
Winning pitcher Aleshia Ocasio (3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3K) relieved starter Taran Alvelo (6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 7 K) in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Puerto Rico scored once in the top of the eighth inning, and Team Italy matched the run with an RBI single by Giulia Longhi in the bottom of the inning to push the game into the ninth inning.
A three-run rally highlighted by a two-run home run from Camille Ortiz put Puerto Rico on top 8-5 in the top of the ninth inning. Team Italy fought back with an RBI single by Erika Piancastelli in the bottom of the ninth. However, the comeback fell short and Puerto Rico prevailed in the 8-6 victory.
PUERTO RICO-ITALY BOX SCORE
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
WBSC WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CUP FINALS SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
The Italians return for a clash against Australia in the Softball World Cup Finals Placement Round (5th-8th) on Friday, July 19th at 8:30 pm
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Jena Pratt tagging out Alessandra Rotondo at third base on July 18, 2024 by EzR-FIBS)
