NZ Colts closer to title play-off

Press, 12 July 1985, Page 36

NZ Colts closer to title play-off

NZPA staff correspondent Washington The New Zealand Colts made further progress towards the four-nation playoff for the world youth softball championship by beating Mexico 4-3 at Fargo, North Dakota, yesterday. The win kept New Zealand in the hunt for the No. 2 seeding behind Canada for the play-off, but to secure that spot, it must beat the United States today. The Americans are radiating confidence after an

extended and exciting 11-8 win over Argentina. Canada has already guaranteed itself the No. 1 seeding in the play-off, by virtue of its success in the roundrobin series against New Zealand, Japan, the United States, Argentina, Mexico, Taiwan and the Bahamas. The round-robin games end today. New Zealand earlier lost to Japan, the defending champion, and that had created a sense of urgency within the Colts, the New Zealand coach, Mr Dale Eagars, said.

Against Mexico, three of New Zealand’s first four batters crossed home plate in the opening innings. Dean Rice (Auckland) made base safely on a bunt, and advanced to second on a hit to left field by Mark Sorenson (Hutt Valley).

Both runners then scored on a hit by designated hitter Mike Laws (Wellington) who was eventually brought home by Gavin Aiken (Wellington). Top batters for New Zealand were Sorenson and Aiken, each with two hits from three turns at bat.