Superb pitching wins the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup for Japan

While the bats were on fire at the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025, it was the Japan's prowess from the pitching circle, which saw them claim their first WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup title after beating Puerto Rico in the final in Caronno Pertusella, Italy on Saturday.

A total of 424 runs were scored in Italy, compared to 326 at the inaugurual edition in Japan two years ago, 577 hits (499 in 2023) and 12 home runs (nine in 2023).

Even world No. 1 USA, despite being the best-hitting team with a .387 batting average, five home runs, 16 doubles and 120 total bases, weren't able to defend their title.

The champions Japan had a .314 batting average, with two home runs and only five doubles. The silver medallists Puerto Rico had a .336 batting average with two home runs and 11 doubles.

But it was their pitching prowess that caused Japan to allow only one run in nine games, a 0.12 earned run average (ERA). USA allowed six, an ERA of 0.91, while Puerto Rico was far behind with 13 Earned Runs, an ERA of 1.76. (This compares to 0.26, 0.40 and 1.34 for the three teams respectively in 2023).

Opponents had a batting average of .133 against Japan. USA were also outstanding, but not quite as good: .147. Puerto Rico also had an excellent staff, and opponents batted .169 against them. Fourth-place Mexico draws a comparison: they allowed their opponents a .268 batting average, and their pitchers conceded a 3.65 ERA.

On the podium, Puerto Rico was the team with the most strikeouts (73), followed by Japan (60) and USA only 49.

USA had the best defence in the tournament. They committed only six errors. Puerto Rico had eight, and Japan followed with 10. Mexico also had 10.

Among the teams not appearing in the medal round, also Canada (seven errors), Czechia (eight) and Chinese Taipei (nine) did better than the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Champions Japan.