The New Zealand Black Sox have kept their title hopes alive at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup, claiming a dramatic 5-4 walk-off win over the United States.
The team came back from a 4-2 deficit to claim victory in their opening Super Round clash, thanks to a clutch home run by designated player Jerome Raemaki in the bottom of the seventh inning.
With one out and runners on first and second, Raemaki sent a no-doubt shot over the left-field fence to end the game, bringing the boys to their feet and celebrating with a classic 'mana wave'.
The Black Sox celebrating their win. Photo: WBSC
Catcher Te Wera Bishop had earlier got on base with a line drive to right field, followed by number nine batter Rhys Evans, who earned a walk.
The Black Sox's first runs came earlier in the game, including a solo home run from outfielder Reilly Makea - son of head coach and WBSC Hall of Famer Thomas Makea - in the second inning.
USA's starting pitcher Marco Diaz brought serious heat on the mound, clocking around 133 km/h.
The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the fastest men's pitchers in the game and held New Zealand to just one run through six innings.
Jerome Raemaki. Photo: WBSC
Head coach Thomas Makea said post-match while USA came out strong, the boys stuck to their task of "staying in the fight."
"To give ourselves an opportunity, we chipped away, and we got to the 7th and the boys stayed composed. The thing we needed was a couple of base runners. Jerome came up big tonight."
Makea said it was a "massive effort" from the entire squad.
"Once again we used everyone. So, big team effort."
Lefty-slugger Raemaki said while he couldn't remember too much from that last at-bat, he knew he hit it well.
"Everything was a bit of a blur, and it was just going back to making sure I touched all the bases from there."
With the New Zealand side coming from behind into the seventh, Raemaki said the boys never gave up.
"We've always had this never die attitude, all the way to the end," he said.
"Some big bats came through, Te Wera and Rhys had good at-bats there, and without them I wouldn't have had the opportunity."
The Black Sox will take on Japan on Sunday at 2:30pm NZT. Photo: WBSC
Team captain Cole Evans said he was proud of the boys for coming out on top in such a high-pressure game - and gave a massive mihi to Raemaki.
"Jerome, that's a hell of an at-bat," he said.
"It's a massive at-bat and obviously wins the game for us, so it takes a special hitter to come up in a situation like that and do what he did, so yeah, kudos to Jerome today."
Evans said aside from hosts Canada, the Black Sox have been the most supported team at the tournament so far.
"We travel thick and it shows out in the diamond. We hear everyone, so appreciate the support we've got here and we do see all the messages from back home too, so appreciate that as well.
New Zealand have moved to 1-1 while USA drop to 0-2 Photo: WBSC
The Black Sox qualified for the Super Round after finishing second in Group A behind Venezuela. Joining them in the top four are Japan, Venezuela and the USA.
The four teams carry over their Opening Round head-to-head results, meaning Venezuela and Japan started the Super Round at 1-0, with New Zealand and the USA at 0-1.
With Saturday's impressive win, New Zealand move to 1-1 while USA drop to 0-2.
In their next contest, the Black Sox will take on Japan on Sunday at 2:30pm NZT.
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