Black Sox upset by Venezuela
The New Zealand Black Sox have crashed to a sloppy 7-3 defeat to Venezuela in their first loss at the men’s world championships in Canada.
Mark Sorenson’s men - ranked No 1 in the world - went from the sublime - a 8-1 victory yesterday morning over second-ranked Japan - to the ridiculous a few hours later against the vibrant Venezuelans at Whitehorse.
Their defeat now leaves New Zealand, seventh-ranked Venezuela and Japan all tied with one four wins and one defeat each Venezuela’s a 7-0 forfeit to Japan after arriving late on opening day.
Being vanquished by Venezuela for the first time at at a world series was a big wake-up call for Sorenson’s side.
The South Americans runners-up to New Zealand in 2013 and bronze medallists two years ago - controlled the game from start to finish, scoring in five of the seven innings.
Black Sox starting pitcher Nik Hayes struggled on the mound, falling behind early in the count and being forced to throw too many fat pitches.
Venezuela made him pay with two automatic home runs - a first inning solo shot to Yeider Chrinos and a two-run blast by Jorge Lima in the top of the fourth.
Hayes also gave up three backto-back singles in the third frame.
Venezuela shaded New Zealand with 10 hits to nine, but the Black Sox squandered some chances with some poor base running with Cole Evans out for early leadoff and a couple of others falling victim to Venezuela catcher Rafael Flores’ lightning release and rocket arm on pick-off plays.
Right fielder Kallan Compain cracked his third automatic home run of the tournament in the second inning while captain Nathan Nukunuku and vice-captain Thomas Enoka both had two safe hits with Nukunuku driving in a
run with a triple.
The Venezuelans were also slicker in the field with Carlos Carreno pulling off a brilliant midair diving catch to deny Brad Rona a hit - and New Zealand another run.
Hayes took eight strikeouts but left the game after being shelled for eight hits and six earned runs for a 8.40 ERA (earned run average).
Josh Pettett, who threw superbly against Japan, looked less convincing in relief against Venezuela. He entered in the sixth, giving up a leadoff hit to Lima, a couple of walks and several wild pitches.
Earlier, two home runs by Nukunuku highlighted the big comeback win over Japan.
The Auckland infielder batted in five runs as the Black Sox, rated number one in the world, thumped second-ranked Japan in Canada yesterday.
Nukunuku, a 37-year-old attending a record-equalling sixth world championship, showed why Sorenson wanted him back to captain the team in Whitehorse after taking a break from the Black Sox due to work commitments.
The Black Sox’s final pool games are against Denmark and fourth-ranked Botswana, who seem set to qualify for the playoffs for the first time.