Softballers eliminated

Press, 21 July 1986, Page 38

Softballers eliminated

NZPA Vancouver New Zealand was eliminated from the international softball series yesterday when it was defeated by U.S. No. 2 and Canada No. 1. .. In the first game of the two-life round, New Zealand was defeated, 2-1, by U.S. No. 2. The Americans scored a run in the third innings after three consecutive hits. New Zealand then replied with a run in the fifth innings after Donna Ewe was given a walk. Carol Moore, who came

into the game as a replacement runner for Ewe went to second on a sacrifice by Rhonda Hira and eventually scored when Andrea Hirni got a hit to right field. There was no further scoring in the fifth innings but the Americans came back with another run in the sixth and then retired New Zealand’s first three batters in the seventh innings to win the game. Pitching for New Zealand, Gina Weber took five strikeouts, gave up one walk and seven hits.

Canada gave new Zealand its second defeat of the day when it scored three runs in the first innings which included an out-of-the-park home run by the Canadian leadoff batter.

The remaining six innings were scoreless with New Zealand managing to take only two hits off the strong Canadian pitching. With one day to play, Breakettes, from the. U.S., annd China appear the likely finalists. Both teams are undefeated in the second round.