Photo: WBSC
New Zealand has been beaten in the final of the Men's Softball World Cup in Canada.
The Black Sox were beaten 3-0 by Venezuela in the decider in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
The South Americans, who also beat New Zealand earlier in the tournament, opened the scoring in the third innings with a home run to Pedro Flores.
They then added another two runs in the sixth.
New Zealand had three hits but were unable to get any of them home.
New Zealand were chasing an eighth World Cup victory, while it is a first title for Venezuela.
Black Sox head coach Thomas Makea had said their goal this year was to make the podium, after finishing eighth in 2022.
He said this year's success had come down to a strong connection among the boys, both on and off the diamond.
The USA beat Japan 10-1 in the play-off for third.
