New Zealand vs Czech Republic 9:0 (0:0, 2:0, 0:0, 1:0, 0:0, 3:0, 3:0)
New Zealand might have won tonight’s matchup 9-0 against the Czech Republic but you would never have known it listening to the hometown fans. They cheered and sang their team through all 7, happy to have World Championship softball in their back yard. 

With outstanding efficiency the Kiwi’s produced 9 runs off 10 hits. Nikki Hayes finished the game with a 0 ERA over 6 full innings giving up 3 hits and as many walks while striking out 12. For the Czech’s Holobradek and Joska combined through 6 each giving up 3 runs off 4 hits. 

On offense for the Black Sox Zane Van had himself a night. Over 3 he had 1 run off 2 hits, driving in 2 with a triple in the top of the 2nd to finish the night with a .667 average. 

Both teams rest now until Saturday, when New Zealand will face Cuba while the Czech Republic squares off against Mexico.

/Picture: Jan Mudra/