03/08/2018 1 Minute Read

Monica Abbott stars, leads USA to first win

Star lefty proved unhittable for Mexico. After initial struggles against Tarrango’s off speed pitches, USA took the lead on a tie breaking home run by Mc Cleney and broke the score open in the bottom of the sixth off reliever Hyland

USA made their debut in the Women’s Softball World Championship with a 5-2 win against Mexico. Monica Abbott led the defending champions pitching 6 impressive innings (13 strike outs, 3 walks and 3 hits).

Mexico got in scoring position in the fourth thanks to a couple of walks, but Abbott got out of the potential jam with back to back strike outs. In the top of the sixth a base hit by Suzy Gonzalez put runners at the corners, but Abbott got third baseman Anissa Urtez on a fly to rightfield.

At that point of the game USA were leading 2-0 thanks to center fielder Haylie Mc Cleney. USA lead off hit a tie breaking home run with designated player Aubree Munro, walk, at first. The homer became the second hit of the game against Mexico starter Cheyanne Torrango.

After the USA left the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth, Sierra Hyland relieved Torrango.
In the bottom of the sixth the defending World Champions got to Hyland. The three run rally, highlighted by Kelsey Stewart’s triple, extended the lead to 5-0.

Mexico tried a late comeback against 21 year old reliever Rachel Garcia. A two RBI base hit by Victoria Vidales forced manager Ken Eriksen to give the call to Kelly Barnhill, who closed the game striking out Suzy Gonzalez.