Thomas leads USA to sweep of Opening Round against Philippines
Townsen Thomas led the charge for USA to secure a dominant 7-0 victory over the Philippines, finishing their unbeaten run and advancing to the Play-Off of the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C at The Village in Dallas, USA, on Sunday.
USA got on the board early in the first inning, taking advantage of two defensive errors by the Philippines' shortstop, Mylia Perez. A misplayed ground ball allowed USA to score their first run on just one hit, giving them a 1-0 lead after the first inning.
In the bottom of the second inning, USA extended their lead significantly. After loading the bases with a walk and two singles, Thomas delivered a crucial RBI single to score one. Shortly after, Ella McDowell and Sofia Mujica followed up with RBI hits of their own, driving in three more runs to make it 5-0.
The Philippines struggled to create any offensive momentum, with starting pitcher Addison Fisher stifling their batters and keeping them hitless through the first few innings. Fisher’s consistent control and command ensured USA remained comfortably ahead.
In the fifth inning, USA sealed the game with two more insurance runs. Payton Westra reached base on a single and was driven home by Harley Chism, who then scored on a fielding error by the Philippines. These final two runs pushed the lead to 7-0, securing the victory under the run-ahead rule.
Fisher’s complete-game shutout from the circle, backed by stellar defensive plays, ensured the USA's sweep of the Opening Round and their progression to the Play-Offs with an unbeaten record.