Masterful defence, timely hitting take Japan over Australia in Women's Softball World Cup Finals opener
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<p>World No. 3 Japan relied on masterful defence and timely hitting to beat No. 10 Australia in the opener of the XVII Women's Softball World Cup Finals, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="3-0 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-womens-softball-world-cup-finals/schedule-and-results/box-score/128724" target="_blank">3-0</a>. Miu Goto earned the win, pitching six scoreless innings.</p>
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<p>Australia was off to a better start. Jenna Trim led off the second inning with a base hit. Georgia Hood got her to second with an infield hit. With two outs, shortstop Madison Scott grounded out to second on a fine play by Hitomi Kawabata.</p>
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<p>Catcher Taylah Tsitsikronis led off the fourth with a base hit and reached second on a groundout. With two outs and Georgia Hood running for Tsitrikonis, shortstop Kyoko Ishikawa retired Jade Wall despite a head-first slide to first.</p>
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<p>Ishikawa gave Japan the first runner in scoring position on a throwing error to first in the bottom half of the frame. Kenna Kudo brought her to third with a sacrifice bunt. First base Eri Shimoyama doubled to left field to give Japan a 1-0 lead.</p>
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<p>Australia replaced Lamb with Kaia Parnaby. With two outs, designated player Yui Sakamoto got to tne newcomer with an RBI double to extend Japan's lead to 2-0.</p>
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<p>Japan added a run on an RBI single by Sakamoto off Ellen Roberts, the third Aussie pitcher.</p>
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<p>Sakura Miwa took the mound for Japan in the seventh and retired the side in order to end the game.</p>
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<p>Japan will face No. 2 Puerto Rico to open Day 2 at 11:00, while Australia will play No. 6 Netherlands at 17:30. All times are </p>
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