Canada recovers from early deficit, tops Italy

Canada recovered from a 4-0 early deficit and scored 10 unanswered runs to grab their first win at The World Games over Italy, 10-4, in game 6 of the softball competition. Nicola Simpson starred in relief for Canada, silencing Italy’s offense for 5.1 innings.

Italy started strong with a pair of home runs in the top of the first inning. Olympians Laura Vigna and Giulia Longhi went yard to give the European champions a 3-0 lead. In the second inning Vigna produced one more in her second at bat with a single over the left field line to plate Fabrizia Marrone.

With two out in the top of the second Simpson replaced Ruby Anderson in the pitching rubber, and was stellar for the rest of the game, giving up only 2 hits with no runs or walks. She struck out 4.

Canada recovered with 2-RBI performances by Victoria Hayward, Kelsey Harshman and Alysen Febrey. Hayward went 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs.

Canada ties its record 1-1 and tomorrow will close the group stage against USA at 7 p.m. Italy drops their first match, and will play later today their postponed meeting against USA.