The Black Sox have received a reality check at the men's softball World Cup in Auckland, hammered 7-0 by the United States on Sunday.
New Zealand Black Sox batter Jerome Raemaki at the Men’s Softball World Cup in Auckland. Photo: Photosport
A day after winning the opening match of the tournament, 3-1 over the Czech Republic, Mark Sorenson's team were overwhelmed by the big-hitting Americans at Rosedale Park.
The US team took charge with four runs in the third innings while New Zealand failed to bother the scorers, despite registering six hits to six different batters.
Matt Palazzo starred for the United States, landing three hits and bringing home two runners, feasting off the pitching of Josh Pettett.
Pita Rona was more effective on the pitching mound for the Black Sox, giving up five hits from his five innings.
The result leaves the US level atop the group A standings with defending champions Argentina, who also made it two wins from two courtesy of their 6-0 whitewash of the Philippines.
New Zealand and Cuba have one win apiece while the Czech Republic and the Philippines are winless through the two opening days.
Canada have been the most impressive performers in pool B, notching wins over Venezuela and Denmark.
The full schedule of games was completed on Sunday, despite rain ruling out any play for two hours during the mid-afternoon.
- RNZ