Japan outscore the Philippines in four innings

World No. 2 Japan needed only two at-bats to score 13 runs. They earned their second win beating the Philippines, 13-0.

Kanna Kudo hit a double, Ayana Nakagawa went deep with a triple and Kyoko Ishikawa hit an inside-the-park home run in a seven-run first Japanese at-bat. Japan had six hits and thrived on a costly error. The Philippines starter Celyn Ojare left with two outs for Glory Alonzo.

Alonzo also got two outs and then left for Ann Antolihao. Japan added six runs on six hits, including a triple by Ishikawa and a double by Hotaro Tsukamoto.

Sakura Miwa pitched two perfect innings for Japan. The Philippines got their first hit against two-time Olympic gold medallist Yukiko Ueno, who made her debut in the tournament. The Philippines loaded the bases against Ueno with one out in the bottom of the fourth but Japan got out of the jam by pulling off a double play to retire Skylynne Ellazar at home plate and Christy Roa at first.

The Philippines will open Day 3 against Venezuela and close it against Italy, while Japan will play the second game against Japan.