Day 6 of the 14th Women’s Softball World Championship 2014

On Day 6 of the XIV Women’s World Championship in Haarlem (The Netherlands), the field of candidates for the play-offs narrowed. The gold and silver teams of the 2012 World Championship in Whitehorse (Canada) today became the first two countries to officially secure a spot in the play-offs, as Japan and the United States remained unbeaten after completing their rain-delayed game from the evening before. Hereafter, the schedule of Day 6 began, but got into a rain-delay. The schedule resumed some three hours later and in the end all games could be played, meaning the event is now back on track.

Game 38: Australia vs. USA, 2-4 [Box Score]

Australia and the United States, the unbeaten leaders in Group B, today completed their game, which was suspended by rain on Day 5. Team USA was leading 4-0 when a brief, but heavy rain shower blanked the site in Haarlem and concluded the action for the day. On Wednesday morning, the USA held onto the lead, won 4-2, and became the first team to clinch a spot in the play-offs.

Team USA struck Tuesday evening with three runs in the second inning with two outs. Australian starter Vanessa Stokes struck out the first two batters, but then Lauren Gibson connected for a home run on a full count. Hereafter, Amanda Chidester singled and her temporary runner went on to move on a single by Kellie Fox, then both scored on a triple by Haylie McCleney.

The Silver Team of two years ago then added a run in the third inning. With one out, Michelle Moultrie walked and went on to score on a double by Samantha Fischer, who leads the team with seven runs batted in. With the USA now leading 4-0, the game was delayed by rain in the top of the fourth inning.

Ten hours later, the game resumed and Australia started to stage a comeback from the fifth inning on. Stacey Porter then led off with a single and advanced on a force play grounder by Jodie Bowering. A single by Chelsea Forkin then loaded the bases. Next, Bowering was forced out on a grounder by Brenda De Blaes, but that brought in the first Australian run. It also brought Jackie Traina as new pitcher for Team USA and she ended the Australian threat by striking out the next batter to end the inning.

In the meantime, Kaia Parnaby, who had come in to pitch for Australia in the fourth, did a fine job silencing the American offense, retiring 10 batters in a row and 11 of the 12 she faced.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Australia staged a final comeback. Stacey Porter again led off with a single, followed by an error on a grounder by Rachel Lack. Sara Nevins took over the pitching for Traina and saw the lead runner advance on a fly out. Chelsea Forkin then grounded out, but narrowed the deficit to 4-2. Jolene Henderson then became the fourth American pitcher in this game and she got Brenda De Blaes yo ground out, ending the game to earn a save.

W-Jessica Moore (2-0), L-Vanessa Stokes (2-1), SV-Jolene Henderson (1).
HR-Lauren Gibson (USA) (1).

Game 39: Japan vs. Canada, 4-0 [Box Score]

Another important game was played at the same time of the USA-Australia match-up on Tuesday evening. Japan and Canada, who share first place in Group A with a 4-0 record, started their match-up 20 minutes later, but this confrontation also fell to the rain. At the moment the game was halted, Japan was leading 1-0. The reigning world champion went on to win 4-0 and became the first team from Group A to qualify for the play-offs.

Japan opened the score on Tuesday evening in the second inning, thanks to a single by Haruna Sakamoto. Eri Yamada had led off the game with a triple, then scored on the one out single by Sakamoto. Before the start of today’s game, Eri Yamada led the tournament with a .700 batting average. The World Championship record is .667.

Japan left two runners in the third inning and so, the minimal lead of 1-0 remained on the scoreboard. For Japan, veteran pitcher Yukiko Ueno did a superb job. She retired 12 batters in a row, including eight strike outs, before the game got into the rain delay.

When the game resumed on Wednesday morning, Ueno returned to the circle for Japan. Her perfect game then ended when Kaleigh Rafter, the first batter she faced ten hours after the delay, led off the home of the fifth with a single. She was to be the lone Canadian runner, as Ueno retired the next eight batters again in a row and finished the game with 13 strikeouts.

Japan decided the game with a 3-run rally in the sixth inning, adding some insurance runs to its total. With the bases loaded and two outs, a run was scored when Misa Okubo walked, then Yu Yamamoto followed with a 2-run single to increase the lead to 4-0.

W-Yukiko Ueno (2-0), L-Sara Plourde (1-1).

Game 40: Dominican Republic vs. Netherlands, 1-14 [Box Score]

The game between the Dominican Republic and host Netherlands, which probably would have started around midnight on Tuesday evening, was scrubbed due to the rain. This game was moved to Wednesday morning. The Dutch team then staged a powerful show, leading to a convincing 14-1 victory and increasing its record to 2-3, while handing the Dominicans their second loss.

The Netherlands – which captured the European Championship title three consecutive times unbeaten since 2009 – collected eight base hits, including three by Chantal Versluis. She also contributed with five runs batted in.

The Orange squad set the tone in the first inning when two runs were scored on singles by Jessie van Aalst and Virginie Anneveld, the latter being the team’s leading hitter with a .500 batting average.

Dutch starter Dagmar Bloeming did a fine job in the circle. With a 2-0 lead, she gave up a 2-out home run to Rosaury Perez, who also had homered earlier against Great Britain. It was the lone offensive production of the Dominican Republic, which was held to only three hits by Bloeming, who was supported with some fine defense.

In the second inning, the reigning European champion took some more distance by adding two runs, thanks to a 2-out double by Chantal Versluis. After three scoreless innings, the Dutch scored two more runs in the sixth at-bat to make it a 6-1 score.

In the seventh inning, the Dutch Team put the game out of reach for the Dominicans with an 8-run rally. Thirteen batters stepped up to the plate. In the inning, Chantal Versluis tripled and singled, therefore missing only the home run to hit for the cycle. She batted in three runs in this at-bat and scored one herself.

W-Dagmar Bloeming (1-0), L-Geovanny Nunez (1-2).
HR-Rosaury Perez (DOM) (2).

Game 41: New Zealand vs. China, 0-7 [Box Score]

China began Day 6 with a 7-0 shutout victory against New Zealand, which is now 2-4. With the win, China improved its record to 3-3. China led only 2-0 after six innings, then rallied for five runs in the seventh.

After three scoreless innings, in which both teams stranded several runners, China opened the score in the fourth at-bat. It got the bases loaded with one out, then a single by Jia Guo brought in one runner, while another was thrown out at the plate when she also tried to score. A strike out then ended the inning.

In the fifth inning, the second Chinese run was scored. An error accounted for the run, but China also stranded runners on second and third, as two outs followed.

Still leading only 2-0, China rallied for five runs in the seventh inning on four hits. After lead-off hitter Jia Chen reached on an error, she scored on an one-out single by Ying Lu. A pitching change followed and China then increased its lead on a 2-run single by Ruomeng Guo and a 2-run triple by Jia Guo to make it 7-0.

New Zealand left four runners in the first three innings, then was retired in order in the fourth and fifth at-bat. In the sixth, Jennifer Feret and Lara Andrews singled with one out and eventually were left at second and third base. Chinese reliever Lan Wang, who had entered the game in the third inning, then retired the side in the seventh, finishing with two strike outs.

W-Lan Wang (2-2), L-Megan Farrell (0-3).

Game 42: Chinese Taipei vs. Italy, 1-0 (8 inn.) [Box Score]

The game between Chinese Taipei and Italy started three hours and 15 minutes later due to the rain, but became an extra inning thriller. Chinese Taipei won 1-0 in eight inning to register its second tie-break victory of the event. On Day 2, the Asians won in eleven innings against the Netherlands.

It was Italy that got the first chance of opening the score. In the third inning, Priscilla Brandi led off with a double and moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt, but then the next batter was ruled out for an illegally batted ball and a ground out ended the inning.

It took until the seventh inning for the second runner to reach third base in this game and she also played for Italy. Andrea Montanari led off with a bunt single, then reached third base when an error followed the bunt by Ilaria Pino. Sandra Bosdachin ran for Pino and advanced on fielder’s indifference. With runners on second and third base and no outs, Italy failed to score. A line drive by Valeria Bortolomai was caught, Montanari was picked off third base and a pop-fly ended the inning.

Italian pitcher Greta Cecchetti allowed only two runners to reach second base in seven innings, one in the first at-bat, the other in the seventh. She was supported with some fine defense. Two Taipei runners were caught stealing, another was eliminated in a run down after a pick-off.

But in the end, it was Chinese Taipei that left the field victorious. Yi Ting Yang began the inning as pinch-runner on second base and Miao Yi Chen was walked intentionally to set up a force play. She two moved on a sacrifice bunt, then another intentional walk followed to keep the force play intact. That was successful, as Yang was indeed forced out at home, but Pei Chun Lin then followed with a walk-off single to bring in Chen and to give Taipei a 1-0 win.

Winning pitcher Hui Lin Chung went the distance for Chinese Taipei, struck out four and threw a 4-hitter to improve her record to 3-1.

W-Hui Lin Chung (3-1), L-Greta Cecchetti (1-1).

Game 43: Puerto Rico vs. Czech Republic, 1-3 [Box Score]

The Czech Republic kept its chances alive of advancing to the play-offs by winning 3-1 vs. Puerto Rico, which was officially eliminated, as it is now 0-6.

17-year old Veronika Peckova went the distance (again) for the Czechs, struck out six batters and threw a 2-hitter. It was the fourth complete game for Peckova, who improved her record to 3-1. She is one of 15 players in the event who qualify age-wise to play in the U19 division.

The Czechs scored twice in the first inning. With one out, Tereza Jakesova singled, stole second base and scored on a single by Eliska Pojerova. Another single followed, as did a double steal, and an out at home, but then Petra Kriklanova’s single was successful to bring in the second run.

After a lead-off walk, Veronika Peckova retired eight batters in a row, including four consecutive strike outs. With two outs in the third inning, Aisha Figueroa singled and scored on a triple by Dayanira Diaz, who then was stranded on third base, as Peckova retired 13 of the final 14 batters she faced.

The Czech Republic added an insurance run in the fifth. Tereza Jakosova led off with a single and went on to score on a throwing error.

W-Veronika Peckova (3-1), L-Lissette Garay (0-2).

Game 44: Botswana vs. Australia, 0-17 (4 inn.) [Box Score]

Australia shut out Botswana 17-0 to improve its record to 5-1 and clinch a spot in the play-offs, while Botswana was eliminated. Australia collected 16 base hits, including three by Erin Thras, who was 3-for-3, including a triple, scored three runs and had three runs batted in. Five other players had two hits each, while four players were credited with three runs batted in.

Ellen Roberts went the distance for Australia and struck out five. She gave up only one base hit, which was hit by Bonolo Molefhe with two outs in the third inning. With a .308 batting average, she is the leading hitter in the event for Botswana.

Botswana starter Wangu Gondo held Australia scoreless, but then a 9-run rally followed in the second at-bat. Nine base hits were recorded by the official scorers, including two by Chelsea Forkin and Jade Wall. The latter started the rally with an RBI-single and ended it with a 2-run home run. Other highlights in the inning were a 2-run single by Stacey McManus and an RBI-triple by Rachel Lack, which came after a 14-pitch at bat. Rachel Lack now leads the World Championship with nine runs batted in.

Two runs were added in the third inning, thanks to a grounder by Stacey McManus and a wild pitch. A 6-run rally made it a 17-0 score in the fourth at-bat. Erin Thras contributed with a 2-run triple, while Brenda De Blaes added a 2-run single later in the inning.

W-Ellen Roberts (2-0), L-Wangu Gondo (0-2).
HR-Jade Wall (AUS) (1)

Game 45: Russia vs. Canada, 0-11 (5 inn.) [Box Score]

Canada shut out Russia 11-0 to become the second team in Group A to qualify for the play-offs. Canada collected 13 base hits, but led only 4-0 after four innings. A 7-run rally in the fifth inning then lifted the lead to 11-0.

In the first inning, Joey Lye led off with a single and scored on a sacrifice fly. She was also involved in the second run, which was scored in the third. Natalie Wideman then led off with a single, advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Lye and scored on a double by Jennifer Gilbert.

Two runs followed in the fourth inning. Kaleigh Rafter led off with a single and scored on a following triple by Caitlin Lever, who then scored on a single by Carey-Leigh Thomas. Canada got the bases loaded moments later, but stranded three runners.

The game was then decided definitively when Canada rallied for seven runs on six hits in the fifth inning. The rally began when Megan Timpf led off with a single and Kaleigh Rafter followed with a home run, her second of the event. Rafter leads the team with nine base hits and six runs batted in. Later in the inning, Timpf added a 2-run single.

Karissa Hovinga made her first start for Canada, struck out five, walked none and gave up only three hits in four innings to earn her first win of the event. Sara Plourde completed the game by throwing the fifth inning for Canada, who finished in fourth place two years ago playing on home soil in Whitehorse.

Russia got four hits, including two by Olesia Fedina. Russia left two runners in the second inning, then was retired in order in the third and fourth. In the fifth (and final) at-bat got two more runners on base with one out, but Sara Plourde then struck out the next two batters to end the game.

W-Karissa Hovinga (1-0), L-Svetlana Lagutkina (0-1).
HR-Kaleigh Rafter (CAN) (2).

Game 46: Dominican Republic vs. United States, 0-10 (4 inn.) [Box Score]

Team USA remained unbeaten (6-0) by handing the Dominican Republic a 10-0 shut out loss on only seven base hits. Hallie Wilson was 2-for-2 and had five runs batted in. Jolene Henderson went the distance for the United States, struck out seven and pitched a 2-hitter.

The USA scored three runs in the second inning on only one hit, which was a bunt single by Raven Chavanne. The runs were scored on two bases loaded walks and a sacrifice fly by Destinee Martinez.

A 4-run rally followed in the third at-bat. Valerie Arioto and Taylor Hoagland both walked, then advanced on a passed ball and scored on a single by Hallie Wilson. A single by Michelle Moultrie and a passed ball increased the lead to 7-0.

The remaining three runs were scored in the fourth inning. With one out, Valerie Arioto walked and Taylor Hoagland singled, then Hallie Wilson hit a line drive 3-run home run down the right field line to make it 10-0.

W-Jolene Henderson (2-0), L-Rosaury Perez (2-1).
HR-Hallie Wilson (USA) (1).

Game 47: Cuba vs. Japan, 0-9 [Box Score]

Japan registered its sixth victory to remain unbeaten, handing Cuba a 9-0 shut out loss. Pitchers Yamato Fujita (5 innings) and Kana Nakano (2 innings) dominated by throwing a combined perfect game, striking out six and four respectively.

Japan got 15 base hits, including three by Sayaka Mori, Minami Sato and Haruna Sakamoto. Sato singled, doubled and homered and had four runs batted in.

Japan was held scoreless in the first three innings by Yilian Tornes, but then scored two runs in the fourth. Yuka Ichiguchi led off with a single, then scored on a triple by Nozomi Nagasaki, who then scored on a single by Sayaka Mori.

Three runs were scored in the sixth. With one out, Sayaka Mori singled, then Minami Sato homered to make it 4-0. An error accounted for the third run in this at-bat.

Japan added four more runs in the seventh. Six of the first seven batters hit a base hit, the first four in a row. Yuka Ichiguchi and Nozomi Nagasaki singled, as did Sayaka Mori to bring in a run. Minami Sato followed with a 2-run triple and later Sonoka Kuniyoshi added an RBI-single to make it 9-0.

W-Yamato Fujita (2-0), L-Yilian Tornes (1-2).
HR-Minami Sato (JPN) (1).

Game 48: Great Britain vs. Netherlands, 3-9 [Box Score]

In a long game, which ended a few minutes after midnight, host Netherlands won 9-3 vs. Great Britain, which remains winless after six games. The Dutch squad improved its record to 3-3, which is shared by three other teams in Group B. The Orange collected 13 base hits, including three by Saskia Kosterink, who also batted in three runs.

It took awhile for the Dutch to take some distance, despite an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. Chantal Versluis then walked with one out and Jessie van Aalst doubled. A single by Saskia Kosterink and sacrifice fly by Areke Spel then made it 2-0. Great Britain reacted by coming alongside when two runs were scored on an error with two outs.

The Netherlands re-took the lead in the third when Jessie van Aalst led off with a single and scored on a single by Eva Voortman, both national team rookies.

The Dutch then took more distance from the fourth inning on, scoring six runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth combined. The third single by Kosterink and an illegal pitch accounted for two runs in the fourth. Then a bases loaded walk for Kosterink and a 2-run single by Virginie Anneveld lifted the lead to 8-3 after the British had scored another run in the home of the fourth. Anneveld leads the Dutch team with a .474 average and nine base hits. Her nine hits shares first place in the event with four other players. The third British run was scored on a 2-out double by Amy Moore.

The ninth Dutch run was scored in the sixth on a force play grounder by Jessie van Aalst, who scored three runs herself.

Femke van Dusschoten, who took over the pitching for the Dutch in the third inning, had a great outing, as she struck out eight batters and gave up only two hits in the 4 2/3 inning she pitched.

W-Femke van Dusschoten (1-2), L-Kori Waugh (0-2).