McQuillin, Hyland no-hit Cuba as Mexico closes Super Round unbeaten
Mexico defeated today Cuba, 7-0, in five innings and closed the WBSC Softball Americas Qualifier undefeated, in the first place of the standings. Today, Taylor McQuillin and Sierra Hyland combined to pitch a no hitter, with 7 strikeouts
Mexico defeated today Cuba, 7-0, in five innings and closed the WBSC Softball Americas Qualifier undefeated, in the first place of the standings. Today, Taylor McQuillin and Sierra Hyland combined to pitch a no-hitter, with 7 strikeouts. Mexico had clinched yesterday its ticket to Tokyo 2020.
In the bottom of the first inning, Mexico took the lead. Nicole Mendes singled to center field and reached third base on a misplay by center fielder Elizabeth Robert, who failed twice to catch the ball. One out later, Victoria Vidales drove Mendes in with a single to make it 1-0.
One inning later Mexico added one to the lead. Brittany Cervantes and Chelsea Gonzalez hit back to back singles and moved to scoring position with a perfect sacrifice bunt by Stefania Aradillas. Then Marissa bravo hit a short fly behind second base, center fielder Robert caught the ball for the second out, but couldn’t avoid colliding with right fielder Aleanna de Armas, allowing Cervantes to tag up from third and score the 2-0.
In the top of the third Yairis Diaz walked, and with two outs Robert nearly tied the game. She hit a solid fly ball to center field but Mendez robbed a home run that would have tied the game.
In the bottom of the fourth Yilian Tornes retired Cervantes and Gonzalez, but then got into trouble with the bottom part of the lineup. A single by Aradillas ignited a 2-out, 5-run rally that decided the game. Marissa Bravo and Mendes walked and loaded the bases for Amanda Sanchez who hit a 2-RBI single to right field. Then Vidales singled-in one more with a single up the middle. Anisley Lopez came in relief and Anissa Urtez received her with a line-drive double to center field to cash in two more runs.
With a 7-0 difference, Sierra Hyland replaced McQuillin in the fifth and closed the game with three strikeouts. McQuillin fanned 4 and walked 1 in 4 innings of work.
Mexico finishes the tournament as the number one nation, undefeated with a 5-0 record in the Super Round, and most importantly with a ticket to Tokyo 2020. Cuba closed the Americas Qualifier at fifth place, with a 1-4 record in the Super Round.
