Japan and Venezuela are Day 1 WWC Winners

CARACAS, VENEZUELA -- Two games wrapped around Opening Ceremonies that rivaled those of the world’s top sporting events comprised day one of ten at the International Softball Federation’s XII Women’s World Championship here.

Japan defeated Argentina this afternoon, 13-1, before the host team thrilled the capacity crowd at Independence Stadium with a 1-0 victory over the Dominican Republic.

A full schedule of ten games is on tap for tomorrow at the 16-nation tournament that runs through and including July 2nd.

2008 Olympic gold medalists Japan made quick work of their first opponent, dismissing Argentina by way of the run-ahead rule that calls for a game to be considered official if a team is leading by 15 runs after three innings, ten runs after four, or seven after five. Pitcher Makiko Fujiwara started the game for Japan and was relieved by Emi Segawa, who was credited with the win.

Offensively, Eri Matzuoka went 2-for-3 at the plate, scored two runs, and drove in two others as the victors racked up four home runs in the four-inning affair. Argentina managed three hits and got their only tally in the bottom of the second inning. The team will look to rebound tomorrow afternoon against South Africa.

The Opening Ceremonies were attended by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who spoke after International Softball Federation President Don Porter. During his remarks, President Chavez voiced his support for the return of softball to the Olympic Games.

Giant video screens, an orchestra, and one child for every athlete marching into the stadium were just a part of the extravaganza that was the Opening Ceremonies, which were punctuated by a scintillating fireworks display.

Then it was back to softball and a very tight match between two of the teams from the Americas. Infielder Yurubi Alicart led Venezuela with a 2-for-2 performance in their successful start to the event that marks the 45-year anniversary of the first-ever softball world championship.

In the bottom of the sixth inning the team’s batting leader two years ago at the Olympics in Beijing (.333 average) hit a solo home run that had no problem clearing the left field fence for the game’s only score.

Pitcher Johana Gomez started in the circle for the winners but was relieved only one out into the second inning by Mariangee Bogado, who was more than capable in closing the door over the final 5⅔ innings.

The Dominicans got just two hits, leaving a strong, complete-game performance by pitcher Melissa Penna for naught. She allowed just four hits, never facing more than four batters in an inning until the pivotal sixth when Alicart drove Penna’s pitch beyond the 220-foot outfield fence.

For more information contact: Brucew@isfsoftball.org

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