Yukiko Ueno overcame early struggles and a rain delay to lead Japan to a 2-0 win against Canada that will send the hosts to the playoffs as the first place team in group B of the WBSC Women’s Softball World Championship.

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Victoria Howard and Erika Polidori got started with back to back singles against Japan’s star Yukiko Ueno. A walk to Jennifer Salling loaded the bases. Ueno struck out Holly Speers swinging. With one ball and one strike count on Kelsey Jenkins, the home plate umpire decided the game couldn’t go on due to heavy rain.
As the game resumed, Ueno got both Jenkins (looking) and Jennifer Gilbert (swinging) on strikes.

Japan reached base for the first time in the top of the third and immediately capitalized. Misato Kawano singled off Sara Ann Plourde, who had just relieved starter Eujenna Caira. Kawano reached second on a wild pitch, that convinced Canada’s Head Coach Robert Smith to bring back Caira. Kawano advanced on another wild pitch, then Caira hit Yuka Ichiguchi. With two outs, Saki Yamazaki put the ball in play and Japan could score two runs on a defensive error.

Danielle Lawrie relieved Caira in the top of the sixth. Yu Yamamoto hit a blooper to left field and turned it into a double with impressive speed. But wouldn’t go any further.

Ueno sealed the win retiring the last six Canadian hitters in order.

Courtesy of WBSC