The Black Sox have kept their Softball World Cup hopes alive with a huge win over the Philippines at Auckland on Tuesday.
After their heartbreaking loss to Argentina, New Zealand bounced back with a dominant 8-1 victory over the Asian nation.
The result means the Black Sox can still qualify for the Super Round of the World Cup, with a win over Cuba in their next match securing their spot.
In what was a must-win for New Zealand, it was the underdogs that struck first at the top of the first inning to give the Philippines the 1-0 lead.
But that was as good as it got for the visitors, with Reilly Makea leading the response for the Black Sox with his first home run of the tournament.
Joel and Cole Evans were able to score as a result, before the former scored off his brother's single to further increase New Zealand's lead.
Jerome Raemaki would then hit a ground ball, allowing Ben Enoka and Makea to score before Thomas Enkoka crossed on a sacrifice by Connor Peden.
Thomas Enoka's single to right field allowed Makea to score again and give the Black Sox an 8-1 win by the run-ahead rule.
"It's always nice to come to a World Cup and get a win," Black Sox captain Cole Evans said after the match. "They are not easy to come by as we experienced last night. The Philippines are a great side and they fight hard so it is nice to come away with a win.
"That builds some confidence going into tomorrow. We got a few hits tonight and the boys looked more confident that the other few nights. It was nice to see that.
"It was a tough loss last night and difficult for the boys who really felt it. But that shows they care. It was nice today to come to the park with a bit more confidence and I thought we played well.
"Cuba is a big game. Obviously, they have played some good softball so far in the tournament and they are a side that is not to be taken lightly. We are looking forward to that one."
