After losing two consecutive games in the World Cup, New Zealand bounced back with a five-inning victory against the Philippines to remain in contention for a Super Round berth in Group A. Reilly Makea’s homer in the first inning showed the way for the Black Sox.
In the top of the first, the Philippines took a one-run advantage with a run-scoring double off the bat of third baseman Micheal Pagkaliwagan.
However, in the bottom of the first the Black Sox took control of the game with Makea’s swing, who smashed a three-run home run to left field to plate Cole Evans and Ben Enoka.
New Zealand mounted a four-run rally in the fourth inning to get a comfortable advantage, and one inning later Makea doubled and then scored the walk-off run on a single by Ben Enoka.
Pita Rona struckout 11 in five innings of work, giving up one hit and one run.
New Zealand will play Cuba on Wednesday with a Super Round spot at stake. The winner of that game will advance to the Super Round as third-place finisher in Group A, while the loser will go down to the Placement Round. The Philippines, eliminated from the Super Round, will face the Czech Republic.
Quotes: New Zealand captain Cole Evans
“It’s always nice to come to a World Cup and get a win. They are not easy to come by as we experienced last night. The Philippines are a great side and they fight hard so it is nice to come away with a win.
“That
builds some confidence going into tomorrow. We got a few hits tonight and the
boys looked more confident that the other few nights. It was nice to see that.
“It was a
tough loss last night and difficult for the boys who really felt it. But that
shows they care. It was nice today to come to the park with a bit more
confidence and I thought we played well.
“Cuba is a big game. Obviously they have played some good softball so far in the tournament and they are a side that is not to be taken lightly. We are looking forward to that one.”
