Sakura Miwa pitches five-inning no hitter in Japan’s 7-0 win against Venezuela

Sakura Miwa tossed a five-inning no hitter in Japan’s 7-0 win against Venezuela, on Day 4 of the Women’s Softball World Cup Group C. The Japanese pitcher faced the minimum batters through five innings, helped by a double play in the top of the fifth.

The first three Japanese batters reached base on two walks and a catcher interference to load the bases, forcing Maria Soto to pull starting pitcher Loreley Ftrancia. Michelle Floyd came in in relief and retired back to back batters on an infield fly and a strikeout, but couldn’t avoid RBI hits by Nodoka Harada and Kyoko Ishikawa to give Japan a 4-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Hitomi Kawabata singled in Ayane Nakagawa, and one inning later Harada sacrifice fly and Kyoko Ishikawa game-ending RBI single gave Japan the win.

Miwa was perfect through four innings, until Yakary Molina drew an eight-pitch walk. Three pitches later she was retired in a 4-3 double play, helping the Japanese right hander to face only 15 hitters in five innings.

Japan will close their Opening Round participation facing Italy, while Venezuela closed with a 1-4 record.