Black Sox beat Czech Republic in World Cup opener

New Zealand defeated the Czech Republic 3-1 in the opening game of the Men’s Softball World Cup in Auckland.

Tane Mumu, Ben Enoka and Joel Evans scored on Saturday to give the Black Sox a strong start in their bid for an eighth world title.

Veteran outfielder Enoka hit an automatic home run in the sixth to give the hosts some breathing space in a close game at Rosedale Park.

New Zealand went 5-for-2 and flourished in the top of three innings scored by Evans and Mumu.

The Czech Republic responded with a run off Daniel Chapman’s pitching to Thomas Klein in the same inning.

Chapman allowed two hits in six innings and enjoyed solid long throws on the mound.

He was replaced in the final inning by Josh Pettet, who closed out the game with three strikeouts.

The Black Sox will play their second pool game against the United States on Sunday.

Four-time champions Canada beat Venezuela 3-2 in another early game on day one.