The New Zealand Black Sox came into the 2009 ISF World Championship as three time and reigning world champions. Team USA came into tournament as four time world champions, but whose last gold medal came more than twenty years ago, and who got bumped off the medal stand altogether in 2004.
The Black Sox performed their traditional “Haka” before the game, perhaps thinking of two teammates not able to suit up for the tournament. One, a veteran, Paul Algar, stuck in limbo – left off the Team USA roster, but refused in his quest to join his beloved Black Sox, and the other, a youngster, Thomas Enoka, whose entry onto the world stage was delayed for four years by injury.
Friday night’s “Haka” was different than the one performed at the World Fastball Invitational just two weeks ago at Monkton. That one was to say goodbye to an old friend and teammate, another veteran named Paul – Wahlford, who ironically found himself back on the Black Sox roster due to Enoka’s injury.
(photo courtesy of Al Doran’s Facebook)
This Haka, performed for the fans in Saskatoon was more of the traditional warrior’s yell, one that would be followed by a first inning outburst by the Black Sox offence that would set the tone for the start of this XII World Championship, as if to say, “we are world champions and have no intention of surrendering our title.”
The two teams met in one of two opening night marquee games, following opening ceremonies. The games fell behind schedule, but the many fans got home early just the same, leaving after New Zealand left its footprints around the basepaths, and on the backs of Team USA in the top of the first inning.
In three words “One and done”. Twelve runs. Ten Hits. A Home run. A triple. A double. Seven singles. The Black Sox sent seventeen men to the plate, nearly batting around twice. Their eighth hitter got up twice.
New Zealand – T1
Thomas Makea, double
Nathan Nukunu, single, RBI, 1-0 NZ
Jarrad Martin, single
Travis Wilson, 1 out
Donny Hale, single, 2 RBI. 3-0 NZ
Brad Rona, home run. 3 RBI. 6-0 NZ
Pat Shannon, fly out
Rhys Casley, walk, stolen base
Daniel Milne, single, RBI. 7-0 NZ
USA pitching change. Terry Luster replaces Paul Koert
Thomas Makea, walk
Nathan Nukunuku, single
USA error, 1 run. 8-0 NZ
Jarrad Martin, triple, 2 RBI. 10-0 NZ
Travis Wilson, single, RBI. 11-0 NZ
USA error. Wilson to 3b, Hale, out (2 outs)
Brad Rona, single, RBI. 12-0 NZ
Pat Shannon, reaches on Team USA error
Rhys Casley, strikeout (3 outs)
Twelve Runs, ten hits, three errors.
An early night for many fans. A long one for Team USA.
Nine days remain in the XII ISF World Championships.