After a 6-0 shutout over China in their World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women's Softball World Cup Finals debut the night prior, the Italians were overmatched against a strong USA team and were defeated 7-0 in Castions di Strada on Tuesday night, July 16th.
The Team Italy lineup looked like this: Isabella Dayton, LF; Erika Piancastelli, RF; McKenzie Barbara, 1B; Andrea Filler, 2B; Marta Gasparotto, C; Alexia Lacatena, DP; Melany Sheldon, SS; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; and Christina Toniolo, P.
Despite a leadoff triple by Isabella Dayton off USA starting pitcher Megan Faraimo in the top of the first inning, the Team Italy offense was unable to push her across the plate.
The Americans made the most out of a walk issued by Italian starter Christina Toniolo and scored one run in the bottom of the first inning. Haylie McCleney took the free pass to first, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Hannah Flippin, moved on to third on a wild pitch and scored on a groundout to second from Amanda Lorenz.
USA took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning after Jessie Warren hit a solo home run over the center field fence. Pitcher Christina Toniolo (2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, K) was relieved by Alexia Lacatena after Hannah Flippin doubled and later scored to put USA on top 3-0.
Team Italy tried to get something started in the top of the fifth inning after Melany Sheldon singled to left field, but Megan Faraimo quashed any chances for the Italians to score with her dominant pitching performance (5 IP, 2 H, 9 K).
Alexia Lacatena (2 IP, 4 H, 4 R , 2 BB) kept the game close until the top of the fifth inning when USA added four runs to end the game via mercy rule. After Nicole Bates led off with a bunt single, Sahvannah Jaquish walked, and Janae Jefferson singled to right field, Jessie Warren hit a three-run double and advanced to third on a throwing error. She crossed the plate on an RBI groundout by Maya Brady to put the game away 7-0.
ITALY-USA BOX SCORE
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
WBSC WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CUP FINALS SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
The Italians battle the Canadians on Wednesday, July 17th at 8:30 pm (local time).
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of USA's Janae Jefferson scoring as Team Italy catcher Marta Gasparotto,looks on by EzR-FIBS)
