The Black Sox have claimed the Intercontinental Cup today after a convincing 5-1 win over Japan in the final.
The New Zealand men's softball team booked an automatic spot in the final after the semi-finals were cancelled this morning due to poor weather in Prague.
The final was a tight contest with Japan drawing first blood in the third innings thanks to an RBI single by outfielder Seii Kuroiwa off veteran pitcher Nik Hayes.
But that was the only tarnish on Hayes' performance, with the Hutt Valley hurler shutting things down once again on his way to the win.
In seven innings, Hayes gave up one run on just two hits and three walks but managed to strike out eight batters.
He finally got support from the Black Sox bats in the fifth innings when young outfielder Reilly Makea delivered a single past the short stop to reach base. He was soon joined on the base paths by Joe Ferriso who was walked on two outs.
Captain Ben Enoka then delivered a clutch RBI single down the left field line to bring in Makea while Ferriso was brought in one at bat later thanks to an RBI single to centre field by Joel Evans.
The world champions then cemented their lead an innings later when Ben's younger brother Campbell Enoka made it a family affair by bringing home other sibling Thomas with a two-run home run to left field.
Makea put the icing on the cake immediately after with a solo home run to give the Black Sox a 5-1 lead to defend in the top of the seventh innings.
Hayes conducted a strike out, ground out and fly out to end the game.
The win gives valuable experience to the 17-man squad who included six rookies for the tournament ahead of next year's world championships which are also being hosted by Prague.
"This is a great opportunity to expose our young group to some of the highest quality International softball teams in the World," assistant coach Daryl Marino said earlier this week.
"As well as the quality of opposition the tour will also allow some of the younger leaders in the group to grow and build on their experiences in this environment.
"It will also give us the perfect opportunity to continue preparations moving towards the World Cup in 2019. This will include playing at both grounds that will be used for the World Cup."
With the tournament wrapped up, the Black Sox will finish their tour with an exhibition game against "Team Europe" before some members partake in the Super Cup later this month.
While the Super Cup is solely for European club teams, a number of Black Sox players have been drafted as guest players to help bolster teams looking to win the prestigious event.
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