Donohoe homers, Mexico defeats Czech Republic. Too easy for the USA

Mexico made a huge step towards the super round with a 1-0 win against a brave Czech Republic. A home run by first baseman Saleen Donohoe won the game in the bottom of the fourth.

😲😲😲 pic.twitter.com/TJFjy4s50n

— WBSC #U19SoftballWC (@WBSCsoftball) August 12, 2019

The Czechs actually outhit Mexico, 5-4, and played superb defence. Shortstop Barbora Saviola prevented a run on a chopper by Paola Villegas with a play behind the second base bag in the third and centre fielder Natalie Kopicova got the third out at home on pinch-runner Samaria Benitez in the bottom of the sixth.

When Donohoe homered on a full count in the fourth, Czech starter Adela Linkova had yet to allow a hit. In the top of the fourth, the Czech Republic had reached the scoring position on a two-out double by first baseman Gabriela Slaba.

The Czechs had the best scoring chance with one out in the top of the sixth, when second baseman Ema Vodickova doubled to left field and reached third on a single by centre fielder Natalie Kopicova. Mexico’s starter Desiree Hernandez retired Slaba and Kavanova in order to end the threat.

Hernandez earned the win going the distance and striking out nine without allowing a walk.

Desiree Hernandez

The USA outscored Botswana, 15-0 in three innings.
The defending World Champions wasted no time in opening the score. Starter Caroline Arone gave up seven runs without getting an out and the score after one was 9-0.
The USA line up combined 13 hits, including home runs by second baseman Maelynn Wallace, third baseman Charla Echols and pinch hitter Alexis Kilfoyl.
Starter Montana Fouts got nine consecutive outs, eight on strikes.