Team Italy remains in WBSC Women's Softball World Championship playoff hunt with 1-0 shutout over Great Britain

With no margin of error left for Team Italy in the WBSC Women's Softball World Championship, the Azzurre squad kept in contention for the playoffs with a 1-0 win over Great Britain at Zett.A. Ball Park in Ichihara City, Japan on August 6, 2018. With back-to-back shutouts over Botswana and Great Britain, Team Italy (2-3) improves its chances of remaining in the playoff picture as one of the top four finishers in Group B. In order to advance to the WBSC Women's Softball World Championship playoffs from August 9-12, the Azzurre women must win their games against 17th-ranked Venezuela (1-4) on August 7 (2:30 am EDT) and 12th-ranked China (3-2) on August 8 (August 7 at 9 pm EDT) at Akitsu Stadium in Narashino City.

Team Italy got the only run needed to win the game against Great Britain in the bottom of the first inning. After Amanda Fama singled and advanced to third base on a single by Erika Piancastelli, she was thrown out at the plate on a fielder's choice; however, Erika Piancastelli hustled to third base on the play. The aggressive baserunning proved to be critical for the Team Italy victory as Erika Piancastelli later scored on a wild pitch.  

Team Italy manager Enrico Obletter called on starting pitcher Ilaria Cacciamani and reliever Greta Cecchetti to get the job done. With a combined nine strikeouts and five hits allowed between them, the dynamic duo made Azzurre pitching coach Lisa Birocci-Banse proud. Forza #Italia! #LetsMakeItHappen