Japan shut out Mexico in six, advance to World Championship final

World No. 1 Japan made another show of strength on Wednesday, shutting out Mexico 10-0 in six innings in the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Finals 2024, presented by CARNEXT in Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Canada.

Japan's hitters combined for 16 hits against four Mexican pitchers, with catcher Misaki Namai going 4-for-4 with five RBIs. Starting pitcher Natsuki Kubo allowed only one hit over four innings.

Japan opened the scoring in the bottom of the first. It took five pitches for Iori Miura to get a base hit off Mexico starter Veronica Romo. Miura was the first out, trying to steal second. Yuki Kawabata also singled but was thrown out at second on Haruna Tadano's grounder.

Tadano stole second, and Miwa Naraoka drove Romo's fifth pitch off the left field wall for an RBI stand-up double. Akari Hoshikawa followed with a single, making it 2-0. Miu Shiraishi then reached on the third consecutive hit, moving Ishikawa to second. Misaki Namai scored both runners with a double to deep left centre, extending Japan's lead to 4-0. Kae Iwami, the eighth batter of the inning, was the third out on a fly ball to centre.

Japan starter Natsuki Kubo allowed a pair of runners on a walk and catcher's interference in the top of the second, but Mexico couldn't advance anyone beyond second base.

Maricela Aguilera relieved Romo in the bottom of the third with runners on the corners. She allowed Japan's fifth run on an error. Namai followed with an RBI double, making it 6-0.

Yuna Tsuchiya took over for Kubo in the top of the fifth inning.

Rocio Barajas pitched the bottom of the fifth and left with the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the sixth. Selene Huerta threw only nine pitches; on the third, Miu Shiraishi hit a two-RBI double. Namai worked the count full, then delivered her fourth hit of the day, a base hit that ended the game by the run-difference rule.

Japan will close the opening round at 10:00 against No. 4 USA. This game will likely determine the home team for the world championship final. Mexico will face No. 3 Venezuela at 15:00 for a spot in the bronze-medal game.