Italy Rebounds, Routs South Africa

Francesco Casolari hit the first grand slam of the baseball tournament, leading Italy to a 13-0 victory over winless South Africa at Sydney.

Christopher Madonna also homered and drove in three runs today as Italy (1-2) rebounded from drubbings by South Korea and Cuba.

South Africa (0-3) is having a difficult time in its first Olympic baseball tournament. The South Africans were held without a hit in their opener against Cuba and struck out 13 times in a seven-inning, 11-1 loss to the U.S.

In its three games, South Africa has been outscored 40-1. The South Africans managed eight hits against Italy--all singles--in another game shortened to seven innings by the mercy rule.