Rhiannon Smith's heroics secure Australia's 7-4 win over Philippines

Australia’s WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C opener against the Philippines saw a solid performance by Rhiannon Smith, who delivered key hits and helped her side secure a 7-4 victory at The Village in Dallas, United States, on Thursday.

Australia took an early lead in the first inning when Angelique Iredale was hit by a pitch and later scored on a single by Kate Luyten. The Australians continued to build their lead in the second inning, loading the bases on a pair of walks and a double by Maya Gillies, scoring two more runs on a wild pitch and a grounder, making it 3-0.

The game experienced a lengthy delay due to lightning, but Australia did not lose their momentum. After play resumed, they extended their lead to 5-0 in the fourth inning, with a sac fly and an RBI single by Indy Munro.

The Philippines fought back in the bottom of the fifth inning, sparked by Mylia Perez, who went 3-for-3 in the game, including a two-run homer that brought the score to 5-4. Despite this, Australia responded in the sixth inning, adding two more insurance runs on an RBI double by Munro and a grounder by Luyten.

In the seventh inning, Australia loaded the bases but couldn’t add to their lead. However, their defence held firm in the bottom of the seventh, preventing the Philippines from mounting another comeback and securing the 7-4 victory.