In what was a preview of what to expect in , the Team Italy women's softball squad played their second doubleheader against third-ranked Canada at the in Fort Myers, Florida on April 26, 2021. Canada dominated yesterday's doubleheader with 10-1 and 7-1 victories over the Italians.
In game one of the doubleheader, Team Italy manager Federico Pizzolini put his trust in young and talented starting pitcher Alexia Lacatena. Canada brought back pitcher Sara Groenewegen, who allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts in three innings of relief during game one of yesterday's doubleheader. Facing Team Italy for the second time, she threw four scoreless innings with three strikeouts and one walk. Canada eventually prevailed in the 4-2 win over Italy. The Italians scored in the top of the seventh inning when Amanda Fama drilled a two run homer over the left field fence off reliever Daniel Lawrie.
It appeared Team Italy was poised to get on the board in top of the first inning. Leadoff hitter Laura Vigna worked a nine-pitch at-bat for a single and advanced to second base on a fielder's choice by Elisa Grifano. Emily Carosone followed with a walk. Azzurre slugger Erika Piancastelli grounded to first base to advance both runners into scoring position, but shortstop Andrea Filler popped up to first to end the scoring threat.
In the bottom of the first inning, the long ball haunted Team Italy starter Alexia Lacatena as Kelsey Harshman blasted a solo homer over the left field fence to give Canada an early 1-0 advantage. In the bottom of the second inning, the promising pitcher issued a leadoff walk to Erika Pomodori, who quickly stole second base and advanced to third base on the overthrown to second. Canada cashed in one run on a sacrifice fly by Emma Entzminger. Alexia Lacatena experienced control issues as a single, hit by pitch, and two walks allowed another run to cross the plate to give Canada a 3-0 lead.
The Team Italy offense looked like it may get something started In the top of the third inning with one out when Laura Vigna singled with one out. Trying to get into scoring position, the potential rally fizzled fast when she was caught stealing as a result of an on-the-money throw to second base by catcher Erika Polidori. Team Italy starter Alexia Lacatena got into a grove with her second strikeout of the game in the bottom of the third inning when she held Canada scoreless.
The Azzurre offense showed signs of life in the top of the fourth inning. Emily Carosone reached first base on an infield and was replaced on the bases by pinch runner Fabrizia Marrone. Beatrice Ricchi got an infield single with two out, but a pop up by Giulia Longhl ended the hopes for Team Italy.
Alexia Lacatena gained confidence with every pitch when throwing another scoreless inning in the fourth. She needed some help offensively, but Team Italy could not muster anything against reliever Danielle Lawrie in the top of the fifth inning. The longtime Canadian pitching ace, who gave up one run on three hits with five strikeouts in three innings of relief during game two of yesterday's doubleheader, cruised to an easy 1-2-3 out inning.
After Giulia Longhi caught a pop up at third base and then fielded a scorching line drive by Jenny Gilbert for out number two in the bottom of the fifth inning, Alexia Lacatena was tagged by Erika Polidori for a solo homer to center field. Trailing 4-0 in the top of the sixth inning, Team Italy was running out of time to stage a comeback. With one out, Emily Carosone singled and was once again replaced on first base by pinch runner Fabrizia Marrone. Unfortunately, cleanup hitter Erika Piancastelli grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to quash any chance to score.
Team Italy attempted to perform a miracle in the top of the seventh inning when Andrea Filler singled and Amanda Fama drilled a two-run homer over the left field fence. Brittany Abacherli made it interesting with a double, but reliever Daniel Lawrie struck out Laura Vigna to end the game. With a little luck, Team Italy will get some more runs in game two of the doubleheader and take out revenge on Canada. Forza #Italia! #PerEnrico
by Roberto Angotti
