Team Italy made its World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women's Softball World Cup Finals debut against China on Monday night, July 15, 2024. The Azzurre softball squad played with heart and successfully beat China 6-0.
The Team Italy lineup looked like this: Isabella Dayton, LF; Erika Piancastelli, RF; McKenzie Barbara, DP; Andrea Filler, 1B; Elisa Cecchetti, C; Melany Sheldon, SS; Giulia Longhi, 3B; Giulia Koutsoyanopulos, CF; Alessandra Rotondo, 2B; and Alice Nicolini, P.
Team Italy starter Alice Nicolini pitched a complete game shutout and allowed just five hits with one walk and one strikeout. The Azzurre softball squad went right to work in the bottom of the first inning. Back-to-back doubles by Erika Piancastelli and McKenzie Barbara off China starting pitcher Yinan Chai produced the first run of the contest. An RBI single by Elisa Cecchetti gave Team Italy an early 2-0 lead.
The Italians rallied for four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Consecutive solo home run blasts from McKenzie Barbara and Andrea Filler prompted China to replace starter Yinan Chai with reliever Yuchen Wei. She was tagged for another two runs by the relentless Team Italy offense when Melany Sheldon doubled and Marta Gasparotto hit a two-run homer over the left field fence.
CHINA-ITALY BOX SCORE
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
WBSC WOMEN’S SOFTBALL WORLD CUP FINALS SCHEDULE AND RESULTS
The Italians battle the Americans on Tuesday, July 16th at 8:30 pm (local time).
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
(Photo of Team Italy slugger McKenzie Barabara against China on July 15, 2024)
