New Zealand secures return ticket to Prince Albert with repechage win over Canada

New Zealand will return to Prince Albert in 2025.

The Black Sox national team defeated Canada 4-1 in the repechage match of the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup Group B qualifier to secure a spot in next year’s World Cup Finals.

New Zealand lost 6-5 in the final to world number one Argentina.

After weather conditions meant that the first pitch of the repechage match was not held until after 10pm,

New Zealand head coach Thomas Makea said it was good to see the Black Sox staying in shape despite the long day at the stadium.

“Today was a really long day. I was hoping we could make it, but you know, delays happen and that’s part of the sport we play, but I’m really proud of the group for really staying involved in the game. Two tough games there, two tough battles against two great teams, so to stay in the fight until the last inning, the last out, great for these guys.”

After a wild pitch gave Argentina the decisive win in the final, Makea says he is proud of the way New Zealand took on the best team in the world.

“Argentina is a very tough team, very good pitching, very good hitting. We knew as a group that we could hang with those guys, but you know, at the end of the day, that’s why they’re number one in the world. They came out on top and got the one that mattered.”

Canada started the game with a bang when Matieu Roy hit a solo shot to the right.

From that point on it became a duel of the pitchers, with New Zealander Pita Rona and Canadian Ty Sebastian exchanging no runs until the bottom of the fourth inning.

After a walk to Black Sox leadoff man Ben Enoka, Wayne Laulu tied the score with an RBI single to left.

New Zealand would take the lead for the first time in the sixth inning when Ben Enoka opened the frame with a solo shot to right-center field. Later in the inning, Rhys Evans would hit a single to right off Canadian reliever Justin Schofield to extend the Black Sox lead.

Makea says he was very pleased with the efforts of his starter Pita Rona.

“Pita was great again, I don’t think he should have gone the full seven innings, but he threw a good four or five (innings) against Canada the other night and came out and just kept getting better and better. On the other hand, Ty Sebastian threw a great game too. We really went after him in that first game, but it was great to see him shut us down for a good five innings there.”

Rona allowed one earned run on three hits in seven innings, walking one batter and striking out eight to earn the win. For Canada, Ty Sebastian allowed three earned runs on three hits, with three walks and nine strikeouts in five and a third innings.

If Canada had won, there was no guarantee that New Zealand would have been given a wildcard spot for the 2025 season based on the world rankings.

Makea says the guarantee that they can return to Prince Albert next year will have a huge impact on sport in New Zealand.

“It’s massive for our home fans. We’ve come a long way since 2022 when we didn’t finish that well, but this group of lads we’ve brought here have put some money back into the shirt. I’m looking forward to the next 12 months in terms of planning and seeing where we end up.”

[email protected]

-Advertisement-