Exciting open to LG Presents WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup 2016
The LG Presents WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup 2016 opened Saturday at the new Hyundai-Gijang Dream Ballpark with six games that generated many highlights and historic moments.
GIJANG, Korea — The LG Presents WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup 2016 opened Saturday at the new Hyundai-Gijang Dream Ballpark with six games that generated many highlights and historic moments.
India – making the nation’s first appearance in the Women’s Baseball World Cup since 2008 – had an early 1-0 lead over the Netherlands. The Dutch National Team then scored three runs in each of the second, third and four innings to earn their first World Cup win since their victory over Cuba in 2012. Annemiek Koehorst had three RBI and Anouk Vergunst Was the winning pitcher.
Powered by Malaika Underwood (3-for-3, 3R), and Tamara Holmes (2-for-3, 2 2b, 2 RBI), the U.S. defeated Hong Kong, 9-1. Starting pitcher Stacy Piagno and Meggie Miedlinger (W) combined to pitch five no-hit innings. Hong Kong broke up the no-hitter/shutout in the top of the sixth inning.
Venezuela pounded 13 hits to defeat Cuba, 12-0, in five innings. Seven of Venezuela’s National Team hitters registered RBIs. Venezuelan lead-off/designated hitter Astrid Vayroneska Rodriguez went 3-for-3. Josefina Cumana (5 IP, 1H) earned the win.
Host nation Korea defeated newcomer Pakistan, 10-0. Pakistan Right fielder Madiha delighted the capacity crowd and audiences worldwide, recording and celebrating the historic first-ever out for Pakistan’s Women’s National Team in a World Cup. DH Yuka Bae had 3 of Korea’s 11 hits. Starting pitcher Jung Hee Kang threw four innings and limited Pakistan to 2 hits.
One of the biggest surprises of the day was world No. 6 Chinese Taipei’s win over No. 3 Australia, despite many defensive highlights for Australia. In their previous meeting at the 2012 World Cup, Australia KO’d Chinese Taipei, 10-0, in five innings. Following a 4-4 tie in the fourth inning Saturday, Chinese Taipei scored 8 unanswered runs. Relief pitcher Yu Chen Hsu earned the win.
Following the Opening Ceremony celebration — which included an electric sports and cultural exhibition from Korean martial art Taekwondo — four-time defending world champions Japan extended the nation’s win-streak to 13 games, with an 8-2 victory over No. 4 Canada. Canada shortstop Veronika Boyd’s 2-RBI single to right field in the second inning put her nation ahead of the world No. 1, before Japan tied the game in the 3rd inning on a double-steal. Japan then added runs in each of the following innings to secure the win. Japan National Team lead-off hitter Ayako Rokkaku had 3 hits, 3 runs and 3 stolen bases, Japan ace Ayami Sato recorded 11 strikeouts had the day’s only seven-inning, complete-game victory.
😮😮 💪💪💪 @claireeccles4 #WomensBaseball #WorldCup @baseballcanada https://t.co/fTG5xTpYfT
— WBSC (@WBSC) September 3, 2016
To view live-streams, highlights, photos and other Women’s Baseball World Cup content, follow @WBSC #WomensBaseball on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Instagram, and visit WBSC’s social media hub at wbsc.org/social-wall.
