Italy beat Canada, lead Group C with three wins

Italy helped starting pitcher Christina Toniolo get out of the first couple of innings with some brilliant defence, particularly from shortstop Melanie Sheldon and right fielder Erika Piancastelli.

"I just went out there, did my things, and had the defence behind me," commented Toniolo after the game. "I couldn't be more proud to wear Italia across my chest."

"I'm not helping the team with the bat, and I'm aware I need to focus on defensive plays," said Sheldon. "This team has a lot of talent, and if we come together, we can play great softball. Today, we helped each other, and I believe we showed what we can do."

The Azzurre, led by a three-RBI effort by catcher Marta Gasparotto, got to Canada's pitcher between the third and the fourth and opened the score.

Toniolo and Canada's Dawn Bodrug kept the game scoreless for two innings.

With one out in the bottom of the third, Giulia Longhi singled up the middle, advanced on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Marta Gasparotto's base hit.

Back-to-back hits by McKenzie Barbara and Andrea Filler sent Bodrug to the showers in the bottom of the fourth. Canada gave the ball to Sara Groenewegen. Giulia Koutsoyanopulos loaded the bases with a swinging bunt. A two-out and two-RBI single by Giulia Longhi made it 3-0 for Italy. Gasparotto added two runs with a single, and Italy extended the lead to 6-0 on a wild pitch.

Canada got on the scoreboard in the seventh. Janet Leung led off with a double and scored on a base hit by Polidori. After Larissa Franklin got to Italy's starter with the third consecutive hit, Toniolo left for Alexia Lacatena. The newcomer retired the side in order to save Toniolo's win.

Before the game, the Mayor of Buttrio Eliano Bassi officiated the ceremonial first pitch.