The national men's softball team has easily won their final pool game at the World Championships in Auckland, beating the winless Philippines 7-0 to book a playoff showdown with champions Australia.
A six-run fourth inning was enough for the Black Sox to cruise past the Philippines, the floodgates opening with Donny Hale, Jarrad Martin, Thomas Makea, Daniel Milne, Nathan Nukunuku and Patrick Shannon all crossing to enforce the mercy rule.
Starting pitcher Jeremy Manley provided two hitless innings for five strikeouts, while Penese Iosefo finished the game off, allowing two hits in two innings.
The Black Sox now go onto a double-life playoff clash with Australia, beginning at 5.30.
Canada consolidated their position on top of Pool B with a 7-0 drubbing of the Netherlands and face Venezuela.
