A solo Ben Enoka home run has guided the Black Sox to an opening Softball World Cup win over the Czech Republic at Auckland on Saturday.
Up 2-1 at the top of the sixth innings, the veteran stepped up the plate and delivered the decisive blow, to lead New Zealand to a 3-1 victory in Group A.
The Black Sox were always in control of the match but were pressed hard by the gutsy Europeans, as the Kiwis chase their eighth world title.
Albany's Rosedale Park will stage 50 games over the next nine days, with 12 nations vying for the championship.
But after their fourth-placed finish three years ago, New Zealand needed to showcase their title credentials in the curtain raiser.
After a scoreless opening two innings, Black Sox captain Cole Evans showed his experience, hitting a ground ball, which allowed Joel Evans to score.
Enoka then grounded into a double play, which saw Evans home again, giving New Zealand the 2-1 lead.
The visitors would hit back in the next inning with a run of their own before Enoka sealed the match with a powerful drive to left-centrefield at the top of the sixth for the home run.
The Black Sox will play the US in their next Group A match on Sunday, before facing off against Argentina, the Philippines, and Cuba.
