Australia beats Canada, first win for Italy

There were a couple of “first times” in group A of the WBSC 2018 Women’s Softball World Championship: a loss for Canada and a win for Italy.

Australia beat Canada 2-0.
The aussie took the lead in the bottom of the second against Karissa Hovinga. Samantha Poole and Clare Warwick reached on back to back singles and Poole slid safely into home when Taylah Tsitsikronis grounded out.

The second australian run came against reliever Eujenna Caira. Leigh Godfrey led off the bottom of the sixth with a base hit and Chelsea Forkin reached on a defensive error. Australia failed to advance the runners with a bunt but, with 2 outs, veteran shortstop Clare Warwick extended the lead with an RBI single to right

Kaia Parnaby went 4 innings for Australia and allowed only 3 hits. Amelia Cudicio took over in the fifth.
Catcher Kaleigh Rafter led off the seventh with a base hit for Canada. Australia gave the call to Justine Smethurst, who got started walking pinch hitter Holly Speers. Victoria Hayward’s bunt attempt was well fielded by Porter, who could get the force out at third. With 2 outs and the potential tying runs in scoring position, the game ended on a fly to right by Jennifer Salling.

Australia celebrates th win

Italy took a quick lead against Botswana starter Oreabetse Mojeremane, scoring 2 in the first on a two run home run by Erika Piancastelli and cruised to a five inning 8-0 win, the first for the azzurre in the tournament.
Fama added a home run, while Alice Nicolini picked the win going 4 innings, allowing only 3 hits and striking out 6.

Erica Piancastelli homered for Italy in the first