Saving their best until last, the Junior White Sox have upset hosts Canada 2-1 in their final pool game to earn two playoff lives at the ISF World Junior Women’s Softball Championship in Brampton, Canada. New Zealand gained a two-run advantage in the second inning, when designated hitter Taylor-Paige Stewart hit out of the park, bringing home third base Kurorua Ratu-James in the process. The Canadians got one back in the bottom of the third inning, but despite out-hitting the Kiwis 10-3, they could not find a way to bring home a tying run. Auckland pitcher Beth Stavert earned the win, but allowed six hits and the only run in four innings, with just one strikeout. Stewart closed the victory out with three innings, four hits and one strikeout, maintaining her 0.00 ERA for the tournament. Outfielder Ellie Cooper was the only other NZ batter to reach base, with a single in the fourth inning. The result boosts the Junior White Sox record to 5-2 in pool play, matching Canada, but ahead of them on the head-to-head outcome. Earlier this morning, defending champions USA needed just five innings to overrun New Zealand 7-0. The Americans have yet to concede a run at the tournament and allowed the JWS only one hit during this contest – Australian-based outfielder Lauren Tapp managed a single in the opening inning. By contrast, the US reached base safely 10 times, including two home runs – first base Lauren Young cleared the fence to end the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Wellington pitcher Jasmin Kaiaruna took the loss for New Zealand, conceding seven hits and five earned runs in her two innings. New Zealand will now crossover against Section B winners Japan (7-0) tomorrow, scheduled for 11.30am (NZT). The US face Australia in the other top-of-the table crossover at 9am (NZT).
Posted on: Fri, 05 Jul 2013 05:55:53 +0000
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