Olympic champions Japan over power New Zealand in Women's Softball World Cup debut

World No. 2 Japan used the long ball to beat No. 26 New Zealand in four innings, 16-2, n their XVII Women's Softball World Cup-Group C debut.

Japan scored eight runs in each of the first two at-bats. They went at bat 13 times in the top of the first. Right fielder Nodoka Harada hammered a grand slam off starter Loran Parker on an 0-2 count. Parker left without getting an out and after allowing a two-run homer to left fielder Hotaru Tsukamoto.

Japan combined 12 hits, including a third home-run by second base Kanna Kudo.

Ace left-hander Miu Goto allowed two runs in the second on a base hits by centre fielder Erin Blackmore and a double by left fielder Nerissa McDowell. Misaki Katsumata took over in the top of the third and earned the win.