USA beat Japan in extras to win Utsugi Cup as WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup build up continues
Six U-15 National Teams from four continents participated in the weekend event at Takasaki City Softball Field Utsugi Stadium in Takasaki City, Gunma, Japan.
World No. 1 USA topped No. 2 Japan, 1-0 in extra innings, to claim the title at the Utsugi Cup, played this past weekend in Takasaki, known in Japan as “The city of softball”. Pitcher Macie Bryant tossed a perfect game for the champions in the final game, while Madelyn Armendariz scored the championship-winning run on a passed ball in the sixth inning.
The tournament was a perfect prelude for the maiden WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup, scheduled for 21-29 October in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to USA and Japan, No. 6 Mexico, No. 8 Italy, No. 11 China and Tanzania also participated in the WBSC-sanctioned event.
USA, Japan, Mexico and Italy are already qualified for the World Cup. Meanwhile Hong Kong China, India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore and host Chinese Taipei will also aim to qualifiy for the global competition at the category’s Asia Cup, to be played from 13-17 June at the Fu-Hsing Softball Stadium in Puli Township, Nantou, Taiwan.
The Utsugi Cup is named after Japan softball legend Taeko Utsugi, who guided Japan to two Olympic medals as a head coach, and currently serves as WBSC Executive Board Member.
Utsugi commented: "All the young players who participated in the tournament loved softball and enjoyed the matches, and I felt the very essence of sport in this tournament. We have to improve competitiveness, and at the same time, show the world the appeal of softball. I hope the Utsugi Cup held in Takasaki, the City of Softball, will become a catalyst for the further promotion of softball worldwide, and serve to build momentum for softball’s return to the Olympics.”
Both the bronze medal game and final on Sunday were close and exciting games. As usual, Japan and USA delivered a classic extra-inning duel in the final, with a dominating pitching performance from both sides. Bryant retired all 18 batters she faced in order - 12 via strikeout (the tournament featured five-inning games). For Japan, Yuri Kira and Risa Kajime blanked their rivals in five innings, while Ari Nagatomo allowed the tie-breaking runner to score in the sixth.
For the bronze medal game, Mexico defeated China, 2-1. A good outing from Liliana Acosta and a clutch hit off the bat of Karina Rodriguez were the difference for the Latin American squad.
