Puerto Rico attacks first but falls to Japan in the opening of the preliminary round of the Women’s Baseball World Cup

The Women’s National Baseball Team fell this Wednesday with a score of 4-2 against the host team of Japan in the opening of the preliminary round of Group B of the IX World Cup which takes place in the city of Miyoshi.

The Japanese team has won this competition six times, and with today’s victory they extended their string of won games by 31.

Puerto Rico was the first to step on the plate with a pair of runs in the third inning, but the Japanese responded with a four-run bouquet in the fourth inning to take control of the game.

“This group of players is showing that they have the talent and commitment to play against the greats”expressed Carlos Ferrer, leader of the Puerto Rican team, in written statements.

Adrix Paradizo led Puerto Rico’s offense with two hits in three at-bats and an RBI.

Pitcher Janiliz Rivera threw the entire route and took the loss. She gave way to six hits with four runs and struck out two. Meanwhile, the winning pitcher, Kana Onodera, struck out 12 in seven innings with three hits allowed and two runs.

The Puerto Ricans will face Cuba and Chinese Taipei this Thursday at 1:30 am and 9:30 pm, Puerto Rico time, respectively.

For the group stage, 12 national teams were divided into two sectors each made up of six teams.

Group A will be played until this Tuesday in Thunder Bay, Canada and is made up of USA, Australia, Korea, Hong Kong, China, Mexico and the host team.

In addition to Japan, Cuba, Chinese Taipei and Puerto Rico, Group B is also contested Venezuela and France. The action in this section will conclude on Sunday, September 17.

The first phase of the World Cup will define three places for the final round, to be held in the summer of 2024 in Canada. The teams from the United States, Canada and Mexico have already qualified.