USSSA Pride started Tuesday the European Pro Softball Series, presented by WBSC, with a 6-0 victory against World N° 9 Italy. The game was played in Caronno Pertusella, Italy, in front of a packed house.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari was present in the beautiful Francesco Nespoli stadium for the inaugural ceremony, along with the President of the European Softball Federation Gabriel Waage, and the President of the Italian Baseball Softball Federation, Andrea Marcon.

It was a close game until the 6th frame, when the Pride secured the victory with a 5-run inning, including a grand slam by Alex Powers to center field.

Sierra Romero hit an RBI triple to right field to produce the first run of the game in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Mandy Perez had reached with a single, and scored from first with Romero’s line drive.

Jolene Henderson was dominant from the circle for the American team, allowing only 1 hit with 3 Ks. She faced the minimum of 15 batters in 5 innings of work.

Italy had a good chance in the 6th to tie the game, or even go ahead. They took advantage of two errors to put runners on second and third, with one out. But Jessica Burroughs got Laura Vigna and Marta Gasparotto with back to back popup flies to escape the jam.

The series continues tomorrow in Italy, with the second game between USSSA Pride and Italy. The match will start at 4:00pm CEST/10:00am EDT. You can watch it here.