Japan is back in the Gold Medal Game (Sunday at 5pm local time, live on YouTube) at the V IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup in Edmonton, Canada. They defeated Australia 5-1 in the first semi-final at Telus Field on Saturday afternoon. The Aussies struck first, but Japan’s offense answered right away to storm away with the victory. The team from Down Under will play in the Bronze Medal Game at 1pm on Sunday.
Christian Kreppold broke a scoreless tie in the third, when she drove in Bronwyn Gell with a sac fly. The 1-0 lead for Australia didn’t last too long. Japan answered in the same frame. Akiko Shimura wanted to bunt the runner on first over, but pitcher Jacinda Barclay threw the ball away, allowing a run score to tie the game. Shimura came around to cross the plate moments later on a single by Natsumi Nakano. A RBI double by Iori Miura made it 3-1 for Team Nippon. RBIs by Yuki Kawabata and Yukiko Kon extended the advantage to four runs in the fifth, effectively ending all hopes for Australia.
Yukari Isozaki went the distance for Japan, allowing just one run on eight hits and no walks through seven innings. She struck out three and gave up just one extra base hit all game. Jacinda Barclay conceded six hits, four runs (3 ER) and two base on balls in 4 1/3 frames to take the loss. Melinda Latimer closed it out for Australia.
