Host team Peru clinched a historic win tonight at Villa María del Triunfo in their debut at the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup. The Peruvian squad beat the Netherlands, 3-1, in spite being outhit by the European squad (6-4).
The Netherlands took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second frame. Sietske Drijvers led off the inning with a triple to right center field, and then scored after a bunt by Else-Fieke De Boer.
In the bottom of the third, Peru tied the game with a bases-loaded sac fly to right field by Frances Tenya, and two innings later the host team took the lead. Pinch hitter Mariafe Bouchon hit a go-ahead RBI single to left field to plate Akemy Gonzalez and Kiana Kadena, the latter after a throwing error by the Dutch third baseman.
Maria Pizarro took the win for Peru, pitching the complete game allowing six hits and one run, with a walk and seven strikeouts.
The losing pitcher for Netherlands was Esmee Ames, in 3.2 innings of relief. She struck out six but surrendered the two game-winning runs for Peru.