USA became today the first team to earn a ticket into the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, to be played in Italy in July 2024. After an early start and a long rain delay, USA defeated Great Britain, 7-0 in five innings, to secure their presence in next year’s Finals.
USA didn’t waste any time and jumped ahead in the bottom of the first inning. Hannah Flippen got on base after a catcher interference, and two pitches later Ali Aguilar hit a no-doubter well over the right field fence, to give her team a 2-0 lead.
In the bottom of the third inning, bad weather forced a long rain delay for the second consecutive day. However, more than seven hours later, both teams returned to the diamond to complete their matchup.
And USA secured their victory in the bottom of the fifth with a five-run rally, capped by a walk-off sacrifice fly by Hannah Flippen.
Ally Carda took the ball for USA and went the distance, striking out seven batters in five innings, against two walks and two hits. The loss was charged to Rebecca Faulkner (2.2 IP, three hits, two runs, two walks and two Ks).
With this win, USA advance to next year’s Finals from Group A. Great Britain must wait for the winner of the game between Australia and Chinese Taipei, in a winner-takes-all game for the second ticket for the Finals.
