Cassady Knudsen pitched the complete game and Yakary Molina hit a grand slam to give Venezuela their first win in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group C. A costly defensive error by Philippines shortstop Nicole Hammoude opened the door for a Venezuelan two-out, five-run rally in the fifth inning to secure their 5-1 win. The Philippines outhit the South Americans 6-5.
After four scoreless innings, Venezuela loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth on two singles by Eina Infante and Yulexys Barrios, and a two-out walk by Kimberly Caicedo. The Olympian Yuruby Alicart hit a grounder to shortstop Nicole Hammoude, who couldn’t glove the ball allowing the first run of the game. The error proved too costly, as three pitches later Yakary Molina hit a grand slam over the left field fence to take a comfortable five-run lead.
Knudsen pitched very well for Venezuela, recording five strikeouts against six hits and one run. She was the winning pitcher.
The Philippine’s Royevel Palma also pitched very well, tossing 4.2 innings with five hits and one walk. The five Venezuelan runs were unearned.
The only Philippines run was scored in the seventh inning. They loaded the bases with one out, and then Mary Joy Maguad hit a sacrifice fly to plate Francesca Altomonte, but a bad running decision by Reyae Villamin allowed Venezuela to complete the double play in that same play, killing the potential come back rally.
Venezuela earned their first win of the tournament.
