New Zealand have suffered their first loss at the softball world champs in Canada.
After convincing wins over Turkey, the Czech republic, Britain and Japan the Black Sox were beaten 7-3 by Venezuela, who had perviously never beaten New Zealand.
Despite losing 7-nil to Japan yesterday the Venezuelan batters were particular harsh on Black Sox pitcher Nik Hayes.
The Black Sox suffered their first loss at the World Champs in Canada and their first loss ever to Venezuela. Photo: Softball World Champs
Venezuela went to an early 3-nil lead before before catcher Kallan Compain hit a solo shot over centre field fence to peg one back in the bottom of the second innings for the Black Sox.
New Zealand went within one in the bottom of the third but that was as close as they got as Venezuela extended their lead to 5-2 in the fourth inning.
Captain Nathan Nukunuku who had led all day drove in Campbell Enoka who had reached base earlier on an infield single to edge the Sox closer to give the Black Sox their last run of the day.
Some disappointing base running by the Black Sox runners killed off a number of runs early which would have kept them in contention.
New Zealand's next game is against Denmark on Thursday morning.
