The New Zealand men's softball team have blown a five-run lead to lose the world softball championship final to Canada in Saskatoon.
The Black Sox, the reigning world champions, led 5-0 at the top of the third inning and seemed set to collect their seventh world crown, only to allow Canada back into the game as they reduced New Zealand's lead to 5-4.
New Zealand failed to score another run as Canada seized control to run away with the title by 10 runs to five.
The Black Sox coach Mark Sorenson says his side was outplayed by classy Canadian team.
"They blasted us off the field, you know the home runs, (Steve) Mullaley hit two home runs and drove in six runs, you know if we got two outs there it's a whole different ball game but you can't look at it that way that's just softball, they created the opportunities, they put the pressure on and they got key hits when it mattered most."
Mark Sorenson says despite the result, his team should hold their heads high.
"They fought exceptionally well and won over a lot of people here that had written us off at the start of the week and they performed with distinction. I mean the Black Sox are all about winning and the history and legacy that we have is a great example of that and once all of this has died down and we can settle back and review, it's a result that is very credible and with such a young side I'm very proud of the way they performed."
Black Sox Joshua Harbrow in action at the World Champs in Canada. The Black Sox batting form deserted them in the second half of the final. Photo: Photosport
