Emily Freitas’ walk-off thrills home crowd in narrow win over Colombia

Brazil claimed fifth place in the WBSC U-18 Women's Softball World Cup Group A after a thrilling 6-5 walk-off victory against Colombia. The hosts came from behind in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two runs to clinch the victory.

Colombia took the lead twice in the game, initially with a 4-0 advantage in the top of the third and again with a 5-4 lead in the top of the fifth. However, they ultimately gave up another tough loss in the bottom of the seventh.

Amanda Handa went 3-for-4 for Brazil with two RBIs and one run scored, while Maria Julia Pedroso hit 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs. Both players pitched the complete game for Brazil, with Handa working five innings and Pedroso the last two. Pedroso was credited with the win.

For Colombia, Brook Zuluaga led the team's nine-hit offensive effort, going 3-for-4. Payton Dedo pitched 1+ inning, giving up two runs on three hits, and was charged with the loss. Colombia finished sixth with a 0-6 record.

Francela Verdura and Jazmin Mejia reached base on a single and a walk in the second inning. A two-out dropped foul ball allowed them to score the first two runs of the game. Brooke Zuluaga drove in Sophia Loreto to make it 3-0.

Audrey Lum and Francela Verdura singled in the third inning, leaving runners on the corners with one out. A sac fly from Angelly Benitez plated the fourth Colombian run, extending their lead to 4-0.

Brazil reacted with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third. After two quick outs, Brazil put together a string of three hits, with singles by Amanda Handa and Ana Luiza Saito, followed by a two-run double from Maria Julia Pedroso. The game was now 4-2.

The Mie Nishi Stadium went crazy as Brazil tied the game with a clutch two-out, two-run single by pitcher Amanda Handa to centre field in the bottom of the fourth. The game was now 4-4.

Back-to-back doubles by Audrey Lum and Sofia Villa gave Colombia a 5-4 lead in the top of the fifth.

Down by one run in the bottom of the seventh, Nichole Schultz and Helen Rodrigues tied the game for the host team with two consecutive triples to open the inning. Colombia loaded the bases with two intentional walks, but Emily Freitas grounded to second base to drive in the game-winning run.