Diving catches and underarm action are underway on Thursday, July 5, 2012 at Softball City, but here is a recap of what you might have missed on Tuesday at the Scotiabank Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship.
Recap and Results:
- Team Canada mercied New Zealand in their first game of the Canadian Open, and scored eight runs in the third inning. Jenn Yee, Heather Ebert, and Victoria Hayward scored two runs each for Canada, while pitcher Karissa Hovinga allowed three hits through three innings with four strikeouts. It was the Kiwis second loss of the day.
- Team Venezuela caught Team USA quickly in both teams’ first game of the tournament, scoring two runs in the top of the first. Venezuela took the lead in the top of the ninth when Hernanza Ruiz drove in right fielder Maribel Riera. Team USA loaded the bases on two walks and scored one on a sacrifice and the game-winning run on a single by outfielder Michelle Moultrie. Kelani Ricketts struck out four over two-and-a-third innings to earn the win with third base Valerie Arioto leading the way offensively, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two walks. For Team Venezuela, shortstop Ruiz was the offensive star, going 2-for-3 at the plate with one RBI and one run scored.
- In the first game of Women’s International Division, Team Japan made the most of its six hits in a 7-0 win over Team New Zealand. Japanese pitcher Yamato Fujita struck out six batters over five innings to earn the victory while right fielder Misato Kawano led the way offensively with a three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth inning. This is Team New Zealand’s first time participating in the Scotiabank Canadian Open Fastpitch Tournament.
- Meanwhile, in the Women's Elite division, the host White Rock Renegades lost 7-1 to the undefeated California A's, who sit atop the Elite table. The Renegades have had a fine tournament, going 4-3 and sitting fourth in their division behind California, China, and St. Louis. They're also the only team to score a run against California.
- The A's, meanwhile have torched Women's Elite for the second straight year. The A's have scored 52 runs in seven games while only allowing one run.
- China is close behind with a 7-1 record, their only loss coming to California. China has scored 56 runs and allowed just six.
What's on tap today?
- Team Canada and defending champion Team Japan go at it at 6:30 p.m. in Thursday's main event from Championship Diamond at Softball City. Japan and Canada both beat New Zealand on Wednesday in their first games of the tournament.
- Team USA gets a crack at Team Puerto Rico at 3:30 p.m., while Team Australia and Team Japan are underway in their match, which started at 1 p.m.
- In tonight's 8:30 p.m. game, 2011 silver medalist Team USA takes on 2011 bronze medalist Team Australia.
- Meanwhile, in Women's Elite, the White Rock Renegades battle for third place with St. Louis Extreme Elite, while California is currently trying to extend its undefeated streak against Team Peru at Softball City.