Italy beat China, Canada ends third in Group B; both qualify for WBSC Softball World Championship playoffs

Canada and Italy won today their respective games and completed the round robin. Both teams qualified for the playoffs, ending third and fourth respectively, and advances to the championship round, starting on Friday at ZOZO Marine Stadium.

Italy 7-0 China

Italy performed extremely well in all facets of the game on the way to a 7-0 victory over China, clinching this way the fourth place in Group B. Italy will be present in the playoffs of the WBSC Softball World Championship for the fifth time in history.

Italy played a perfect game today against China, in a win-or-go-home game, since the winner would earn the fourth and last place in the playoffs in Group B. Gretta Cecchetti was dominant from the pitching circle, the lineup hit the ball very well, the runners were aggressive on the base path and the defense made every play, under bad weather and field conditions.

The European team took the lead in the bottom of the first inning. Amanda Fama set the tone early in the game with a leadoff single, and one out later Erika Piancastelli hit an opposite-field home run, taking control of the score.

In the second inning China put two runners on board, with no outs, with a double by Kailin Xi and a walk by Mengyan Wang, but Cecchetti retired the next three batters in line and avoid any damage.

Italy threatened again in is second attack, with two runners in scoring position and one out, but right hander Lan Wang struck out Fama and Andrea Howard.

China hit its third and last hit in the top of the third, a double by Qi Li, but again they stranded the runner. After that, Cecchetti retired the next nine batters consecutively, closing the door to any Chinese reaction. The right hander struck out 8, and allowed 3 hits and a walk to earn the win.

In the bottom of the third the game was decided. The blue team rallied for five runs, with six singles, and put the score 7-0 to secure the victory.

Italy ended the round robin with positive record of 4-3, and will play Mexico on Friday, at 10:00 local time, in the first playoff game of the tournament. China, with the same record, ended fifth and will participate in the placement round.

Canada 22-0 Botswana

Canada defeated Botswana 22-0 in three innings, and completed the round robin. The North American team finished at third place in Group B, and wait for rival from the other group.

The Canadian team scored 15 runs in the first inning, and decided the game quickly.

This way, the red and white squad ends with 5-2 record at third place in Group B, while Botswana finished winless, and will play the placement round.