Masterful defence, timely hitting take Japan over Australia in Women's Softball World Cup Finals opener

World No. 3 Japan relied on masterful defence and timely hitting to beat No. 10 Australia in the opener of the XVII Women's Softball World Cup Finals, 3-0. Miu Goto earned the win, pitching six scoreless innings.

Australia was off to a better start. Jenna Trim led off the second inning with a base hit. Georgia Hood got her to second with an infield hit. With two outs, shortstop Madison Scott grounded out to second on a fine play by Hitomi Kawabata.

Catcher Taylah Tsitsikronis led off the fourth with a base hit and reached second on a groundout. With two outs and Georgia Hood running for Tsitrikonis, shortstop Kyoko Ishikawa retired Jade Wall despite a head-first slide to first.

Ishikawa gave Japan the first runner in scoring position on a throwing error to first in the bottom half of the frame. Kenna Kudo brought her to third with a sacrifice bunt. First base Eri Shimoyama doubled to left field to give Japan a 1-0 lead.

Australia replaced Lamb with Kaia Parnaby. With two outs, designated player Yui Sakamoto got to tne newcomer with an RBI double to extend Japan's lead to 2-0.

Japan added a run on an RBI single by Sakamoto off Ellen Roberts, the third Aussie pitcher.

Sakura Miwa took the mound for Japan in the seventh and retired the side in order to end the game.

Japan will face No. 2 Puerto Rico to open Day 2 at 11:00, while Australia will play No. 6 Netherlands at 17:30. All times are