Evans 2-run homer lifts New Zealand over Cuba 2-0. Canada KOs Netherlands in four

New Zealand claimed this afternoon its second win of the tournament, based on a brilliant defence and a home run by Joel Evans, who produced the only two runs of the game. The Cubans outhit the reigning world champions 7-4 but left 7 runners on base in the contest.

In the bottom of the second inning, Thomas Enoka singled and the second baseman belted an opposite-field homer to generate with only one swing all the runs of the game.

New Zealand’s defence was outstanding today, in spite of committing one mistake. In the sixth inning, a crucial double play and a 2-out diving catch by shortstop Cole Evans prevented Cuba from scoring.

Cuba made a last effort to come back in the game in the last inning. With two outs Juan Carlos Rodriguez drew a walk and Yuri Rodriguez hit a line drive single to right field, putting the tying run on base. But reliever Josh Pettett struck out Yesander Rodriguez with an outside corner pitch, to end the game.

Daniel Chapman pitched six scoreless innings and fanned 12, allowing 6 hits. In relief, Pettett pitched the last episode, with 1 hit, 1 walk and 2 strikeouts.

Alain Lopez was charged with the loss, even when he pitched three solid innings for Cuba. He fanned 4 and allowed 3 hits, one of them Evan’s home run. In relief, Guber Plutin worked 2 hitless innings with 4 walks, while Alain Roman closed the game.

New Zealand continues on top of Group A with a perfect record after two games, while Cuba will end the day with a 1-1 record.

Canada KOs Netherlands in four

On his first Men’s Softball World Championship at-bat, Tyler Pauli launched a grand slam to right field in a 7-run first inning to propel Canada to a 12-0 victory against the Netherlands. Canada had four home runs in total, including the third bomb of the tournament for Steven Mullaley.

Devon McCullough pitched 3 innings and took the win, with 1 hit and 8 strikeouts, while Patrick Burns fanned 2 in one inning or relief.