In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, the Black Sox secured a dramatic comeback win against the United States at the Softball World Cup in Canada, keeping their medal hopes alive with a 5-4 victory.

With the score at 4-2 in favor of the United States in the bottom of the seventh inning, Jermoe Raemaki delivered a moment that will be remembered for years. The 31-year-old left-handed batter smashed a three-run walk-off home run over the left field fence, turning the tide and sending the Kiwi supporters into a frenzy.

Raemaki’s heroics came after Cameron Watts and Rhys Evans had reached base, setting the stage for what would become one of the most memorable moments in the team’s history. As the ball soared into the air, Raemaki pointed toward the sky, a symbolic gesture to the Kiwi fans in the stands.

"I knew it hit it well, everything was a bit of a blur," Raemaki said after the game. "Then it was just going back to make sure I touched all the bases." His teammates, too, were in awe. The dugout emptied as they celebrated the game-winning shot, a testament to the team’s never-die attitude.

Coach Thomas Makea praised the team’s composure and resilience. "We’ve always had this never-die attitude all the way to the end," he said. "Jerome came up big, and that’s what we needed." The win was crucial for the Black Sox, who had entered the Super Round after a loss to Venezuela. A defeat to the U.S. would have made their medal quest significantly harder.

The game itself was a back-and-forth battle. The United States took an early lead in the top of the second inning, but Reilly Makea quickly equalized with a lead-off home run. The Kiwis kept the pressure on, with Pita Rona stepping in to shut down the American offense in the third inning.

As the game progressed, the Black Sox’s top hitters, including Makea and Raemaki, delivered under pressure. Their performance against the U.S. team, one of the world’s best, was a testament to their skill and determination. With seven safe hits and key contributions from players like Ben Enoka, Seth Gibson, and catcher Te Wera Bishop, the Kiwis demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion.

Looking ahead, the Black Sox will take this win into their crucial game against Japan. The victory over the U.S. will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in Black Sox history, reminiscent of Joel Evans’ grand slam in the 2017 final against Australia.

For the fans, this game was more than just a win—it was a celebration of perseverance, skill, and the spirit of the game. As the Black Sox prepare for their next challenge, they carry with them the momentum of a dramatic and unforgettable victory.