Daniel Chapman, Ben Enoka lift New Zealand to first win at WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup

Daniel Chapman struckout 13 opponents while Ben Enoka, pictured, belted a solo home run in the sixth to guide New Zealand to a 3-1 win over Czech Republic, in their much-awaited debut in the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup. New Zealand’s win was preceded by a stunning opening ceremony at Rosedale Park.

New Zealand took the lead in the top of the third inning with a Joel Evans run, taking advantage of an error, and then Tane Mumu scored on a double play grounder by Ben Enoka. Czech Republic made it a one-run ballgame in the bottom of the third, when Tomas Klein doubled to right center field and then scored on a wild pitch.

However, in the top of the sixth Ben Enoka gave Chapman an insurance run with a no-doubt home run to left field to give his pitcher a 3-1 lead.

Chapman pitched six innings with no earned runs, 13 strikeouts, two hits and five walks and earned the win. Josh Pettett struck out the side in the seventh to close the game. For Czech Republic, youngster Jakub Osicka was charged with the loss, giving up three hits, three runs and a walk, with nine strikeouts.