THUNDER BAY, ON – In a hard-fought, eight-inning contest, Canada lost 7-6 to Japan in their second game of the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals at Port Arthur Stadium on Monday night.
Yuki Kawabata, who went 1-for-5 with two RBI, put Japan ahead 1-0 in the first on a single that brought Iori Miura home, who earned a leadoff walk.
Later in the fourth, Japan extended its lead to 2-0 after Yuzuha Nakamura hit a double to left field. Then, in the top of the fifth, the six-time champions went ahead 3-0 on a squeeze attempt that went wrong for Canada. But in the bottom half, the hosts turned things around.
Emily Baxter, who pinched hit for Ela Day-Bédard, started the rally for the Canadians with a single up the middle. Once the bases became loaded, Madison Willan, who tallied two RBI, earned a walk to put Canada on the board and make it a 3-1 ball game.
Zoe Hicks, Sunday’s WBSC Player of the Day, tied the game at three with a two-run single to centre field. She later added a third RBI, which was her tournament-leading sixth.
In the eighth frame, Japan went ahead 4-3 on a two-error play, then added three more runs to make it 7-3. Canada got three runs back but ultimately fell short.
Mika Tai (1-0), who pitched 2.1 innings, was the winning pitcher, while Sophy Gagné (0-1) recieved the loss.
Canada retakes the field on Tuesday night against the United States.
More tournament details can be found on the official WBSC website.
Where to Watch
Live streaming of the tournament is available on Gametime Sport. All highlights will be posted on the WBSC YouTube channel.
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