Canada defeated Cuba, 17-0, in three innings and claimed the first win of the Olympic qualifier’s Group A. The host team exploded in the second inning with 15 runs and secured the game.
Canada opened the Road to Tokyo with a solid win over Cuba, based on an impressive offensive demonstration and a strong pitching performance.
In the first inning, Canada crossed the plate twice. Kelsey Jenkins walked and Jennifer Gilbert followed with a comebacker that hit pitcher Anisley Lopez, the right-hander recovered, assisted to first but the throw was wide, allowing Jenkins to score from first. Then Holly Speers plated Gilbert with a line drive to center field, to make it 2-0.
In the bottom of the second episode, Canada sent 18 hitters to the plate and scored 15 runs to secure the game. Kaleigh Rafter collected 5 RBI in the inning, with a 2-RBI single and a 3-run homer; while Gilbert totalled 4 RBI.
From the circle, Sara Groenewegen pitched two perfect innings, with 4 strikeouts, while Jenna Caira fanned 2 in one inning, allowing 1 hit.
Canada has the day off tomorrow, while Cuba will take on Bahamas at 8:30 p.m.
Guatemala beat Bahamas
Guatemala and Bahamas faced each other on Day 1 of the WBSC Softball Americas Qualifier, with a 9-4 victory for the Central American nation. Josselline Monge went the distance and earned the win for Guatemala.
The game started for Guatemala with a lead-off single by Valerie Valdez, she eventually scored a run on an RBI single by Nichole McClendon. Bahamas tied the game in the second inning on an RBI single off the bat of Altavia Hall, but Guatemala retook the lead scoring consecutively in the next two innings, to make it 4-1.
In the fifth inning, Bahamas tied the game but then Guatemala broke the tie once more time in the sixth, with three runs, and secured the game with two more runs in the seventh.
