Canada’s five-run first inning sets tone in defeat of Mexico

World No. 7 Canada scored all the runs they needed to defeat No. 5 Mexico in the first inning of their game at the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Finals 2024 at Port Arthur Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts collected three of their five hits in the opening at-bat, including Zoe Hicks's match-winning three-RBI double. Pitchers Alexane Fournier and Michelle Roche limited Mexico to just two hits, securing a 7-2 victory.

Mexico starter Rosa del Castillo allowed back-to-back walks to lead off the game. Mia Valke hit a one-out bloop single to shallow right field, loading the bases. Del Castillo hit Andréanne Leblanc, giving Canada the lead. Madison Villan singled to right field to make it 2-0. With two outs and the bases loaded, Zoe Hicks turned the third pitch she saw into a three-RBI double to the gap in right-centre, extending Canada's lead to 5-0. Kaitlyn Ross, the ninth hitter of the inning, became the third out.

Canada's Alexane Fournier hit Maria Valenzuela, allowing Mexico's leadoff hitter to reach. Left fielder Ela Day-Bédard went a long way to record the first out on Edith De Leja's deep fly. Fournier then retired the side in order to get out of the inning.

Canada added two runs in the top of the second. With runners at the corners, Sena Catterall scored on a pick-off attempt that went wide of second base. Leblanc followed with an RBI double to extend the lead to 7-0.

Mexico got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second. They loaded the bases with two walks and Dani Leal's single, then scored when Gabriela Sandoval hit into a force-out at second. Samaria Benitez hit a sharp grounder up the middle to make it 7-2. Fournier escaped the inning with her third strikeout of the night.

Maricela Aguilera took the mound for Mexico in the top of the third.

The game turned into a pitching duel between the newcomer and Fournier. After three scoreless innings, Michelle Roche relieved Fournier. Roche started the bottom of the sixth by hitting the leadoff batter, mirroring Fournier's start in the first. Day-Bédard once again helped her pitcher with a brilliant catch for the first out. After that, Roche cruised through the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh, Roche received help from right fielder Emily Baxter, who made the first out at first base. One runner reached on an error, but Mexico could only delay Canada's win.

On Day 2 Mexico will face No. 4 USA in the afternoon game. Canada will complete July 29 programme against No. 1 Japan.