6 Mar 2013

Black Sox edge past Argentina

5:59 am on 6 March 2013

The New Zealand men's softball team has beaten Argentina 2-1 to keep them on track for a double life when the World Championship reaches the playoff stages on Friday.

Pitcher Heinie Shannon provided six innings of control from the mound, keeping the South Americans largely in check, and allowing the Black Sox offence to do just enough for victory.

Veteran outfielder Thomas Makea provided the highlight with the bat, sending a home run over the Rosedale Park left-field fence in the fifth inning.

The result now allows the home side some comfort, as they enter the final stages of pool play against the two bottom teams of their group - the Philippines today and the Netherlands tomorrow.

Despite earlier losses to New Zealand and Argentina, Japan showed their ability by beating Canada 4-1, although the North Americans still hold a countback advantage over the Kiwis after their head-to-head win on Monday night.

Champions Australia remain unbeaten in the other pool.