Puerto Rico score six unanswered runs to beat Netherlands, secure their spot in the playoffs

Puerto Rico secured a spot in tomorrow’s playoffs with a 6-1 win over the Netherlands, in the first game of the day in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group B in Valencia, Spain on Friday. After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, Puerto Rico did the rest of the scoring in the game.

The Netherlands took the lead in the first, taking advantage of a pair of defensive errors. Leadoff hitter Britt Vonk bunted and reached on a throwing error by Claudio, and later scored on another error by the Puerto Rican first baseman, who couldn’t field an easy grounder. 

However, Puerto Rico came from behind with six unanswered runs to secure their third win of the competition. The Caribbean team plated two in the third with RBIs by Cozza and Aleimalee Lopez, and extended their lead one inning later with a three-run rally. Aminah Vega produced the sixth Puerto Rico run in the fifth.

Taran Alvelo had a quality outing, pitching the complete game with two strikeouts, giving up four hits, one run and three walks. The losing pitcher for the Netherlands was Lindsay Meadows.

Offensively, Jenna Cozza (3-for-4) and Karla Claudio (2-for-3) led the Boricua lineup.