In the last World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women's Softball World Cup Finals game for the Italians on Friday night, July 19, 2024, the Team Italy lineup against Australia looked like this: Isabella Dayton, LF; Erika Piancastelli, RF; McKenzie Barbara, DP; Andrea Filler, 1B; Marta Gasparotto, 2B; Elisa Cecchetti, C; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Melany Sheldon, SS; Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; and Alice Nicolini, P.
Azzurre starting pitcher Alice Nicolini (6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, BB, 6 K) gave up a leadoff single in the top of the first inning to Michelle Cox, but a double play initiated by shortstop Melany Sheldon cleared the basepaths. A Taylah Tsitsirkronis strikeout ended the half inning.
Team Italy got on the board early with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Australia starter Kandra Lamb (5.2 IP, 5 H, R, 4 K) surrendered a double to spark plug Isabella Dayton and issued a walk to Erika Piancastelli before McKenzie Barbara connected with an RBI single up the middle.
The Italians threatened to score again in the bottom of the second inning but came up empty. Giulia Longhi led off with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Melany Sheldon and moved on to third base on a wild pitch. However, she was left stranded.
Hits for Team Italy were few and far between. Erika Piancastelli singled in the bottom of the third inning.
Australia tied the game 1-1 in the top of the sixth inning after a controversial call at home plate. After Stacey McManus walked, Jenna Trim hit an RBI double.The home plate umpire called the runner out, but Australia challenged. After a video review, the call was reversed and the run for the Aussies was counted.
Team Italy nearly answered in the bottom of the sixth inning. With one out, Andrea Filler doubled and Marta Gasparotto walked. Then Elisa Cecchetti hit into a 4-3 double play to end the inning.
Australia took the 3-1 lead in the top of the seventh inning. Claire Warwick singled to center and was replaced by pinch runner Pippa Adkins. She advanced to second on an infield single by Madison Scott and landed on third base because of a throwing error by shortstop Melany Sheldon. Alice Nicolini exited the contest and was on the hook for the loss as reliever Christina Toniolo gave up an RBI single to Jade Wall.
A weather delay ensued with one runner on third base. When play resumed, Team Italy went to the bullpen again and summoned Ilaria Cacciamani. She struck out Georgia Hood for the first out. Then Michele Cox hit a sacrifice fly for the second run of the inning. Australia threatened for more after consecutive walks to Stacey McManus and Taylah Tsitsirkronis loaded the bases. Ilaria Cacciamani dug deep and got a Jenna Trim strikeout to limit the damage.
The Italians attempted to stage a miraculous two-out come-from-behind rally in the bottom of the seventh inning after a walk to Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, but it failed to manifest as Australia held on for dear life and won 3-1.
AUSTRALIA-ITALY BOX SCORE
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
With the loss to Australia, Team Italy placed 8th in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women's Softball World Cup Finals.
WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CUP FINALS STANDINGS
Japan and USA compete for the gold medal in the WBSC Softball World Cup Finals Championship on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 8 pm, while the battle for the bronze between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Canada takes place earlier at 5 pm.
WBSC WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CUP FINALS SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Australia's Taylah Tsitsikronis sliding into second base as Team Italy's Marta Gasparotto looks on by K73-Oldmanagency)
