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Outside pitch

Underdog Japan tops U.S. in men's fast-pitch softball tourney

By Dave Faries
Staff Writer, The Prague Post
June 27th, 2007 issue

VLADIMÍR WEISS/THE PRAGUE POST
B.J. Hunhoff hurls Team USA to a midweek victory in World Cup play.
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ISF Men's Fast-pitch World Cup

Top Five
1. Japan
2. USA
3. Venezuela
4. DeMo EHS (Netherlands)
5. Czech Republic

It was supposed to end up as a grudge match between Team USA and Venezuela. But the Japanese national team had other ideas.
Several top national squads, minus world champion New Zealand, arrived in Prague last week to take part in the grueling men’s fast-pitch World Cup, sponsored by the International Softball Federation and held at facilities in Krč. The unique tournament allows club teams, such as DeMo EHS from Holland, a chance to play national squads.
Although beaten by the Americans 4–1 early in the week, Japan found its groove, knocking off the Czech national team, several club teams and Venezuela on its way to a rematch. In their first meeting during the finals, Japan out-slugged the United States to the tune of 12–2. The Americans rebounded to knock off Venezuela, setting up yet another meeting — this time for the championship.
Japan scored in the first. After an error by U.S. third baseman Gregg Cascaes allowed Shuhei Suzuki to reach base, the Japanese resorted to small ball. Two bunts and another error by Cascaes pushed Suzuki to third and, with one down, Yohei Ono drove a fly to left field that proved deep enough for Suzuki to tag and score.
That was all they needed. Pitcher Yu Nishimori held Team USA to one hit in the 2–0 finale.
U.S. centerfielder Adam LaLonde said they expected to face Venezuela but knew Japan would be tough going into the tournament.
Despite the loss, “the atmosphere here is unbelievable,” he added. “When you play for your country, it’s a great feeling no matter what.”

Dave Faries can be reached at dfaries@praguepost.com


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