USA made their debut in the Women’s Softball World Championship with a 5-2 win against Mexico. Monica Abbott led the defending champions pitching six impressive innings with 13 strikeouts, 3 walks, and 3 hits.

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Mexico got in scoring position in the fourth thanks to a couple of walks, but Abbott got out of the potential jam with back to back strikeouts. In the top of the sixth, a base hit by Suzy Gonzalez put runners at the corners, but Abbott got third baseman Anissa Urtez on a fly to right field.

At that point of the game, USA was leading 2-0 thanks to center fielder Haylie McCleney. USA lead off hit a tiebreaking home run with designated player Aubree Munro, walk, at first. The homer became the second hit of the game against Mexico starter Cheyanne Torrango.

After the USA left the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth, Sierra Hyland relieved Torrango.
In the bottom of the sixth, the defending World Champions got to Hyland. The three-run rally, highlighted by Kelsey Stewart’s triple, extended the lead to 5-0.

Mexico tried a late comeback against 21-year-old reliever Rachel Garcia. A two-RBI base hit by Victoria Vidales forced manager Ken Eriksen to give the call to Kelly Barnhill, who closed the game striking out Suzy Gonzalez.

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