Japan is off to the start they were looking for in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship 2018, with a 9-0 victory over Italy to officially kick off the global tournament.
A three-run home run by left fielder Saki Yamazaki off Italy reliever Alice Nicolini ended the game in the bottom of the sixth — ahead of the reguation seven innings.
Japan led from start to finish, starting and ending the contest with home runs.
Center fielder Eri Yamada blasted a home run to left field on Greta Cecchetti’s first pitch.
The hosts broke the score open in the bottom of the third, taking full advantage of a couple of errors by the Italian defense.
Japan star pitcher Yukiko Ueno didn’t allow a hit to Italy.
