Cap tip Blair Setford.
Black Sox pitcher Nathan Taikato’s cross-town switch should breathe new life into the Canterbury men’s softball premiership this season, which starts today.
Richmond Keas boasted two international hurlers last year – Taikato and the promising Penese Iosefo. But Taikato has transferred to the PCU Devils – Richmond’s perennial rivals – to maximise his mound time.
“It’s really to even everyone out,” he said. “Nes and I are both in the Sox squad now so we both need as much game time as we can get.”
PCU and Richmond are ranked among the top six teams in New Zealand, and Taikato hoped his move may also ultimately benefit the batters on both teams, who would now get to face harder, faster pitching on a regular basis.
Taikato’s presence will be welcomed by PCU coach Ted Forrester, who has a galaxy of top hitters, including Careth Cook, Daniel Milne, former Black Sox catcher Stephen Ratu, Steve McFarlane, Michael Sands and Paul DeLatour. Iosefo will still have plenty of pitching support at Richmond, with Halswell youngster James Johnston joining fellow left-hander Aiden Cocker.
Richmond drew first blood for 2011-12, winning last weekend’s Spring Shootout final against PCU, 3-1 with Iosefo in commanding form on the mound as he won the tournament MVP award. Cocker was top batter, with six from 14 for a 0.429 average. Click here to continue reading.