JAPAN – In the much-anticipated match-up between two of the tournament’s top teams, Japan and the U.S. didn’t disappoint. In a back-and-forth game, Japan ultimately ended up on top, 9-5.

The host country jumped out quickly with three runs in the first, but the U.S. chipped away, putting up three runs of its own in the fourth to draw even. In the end, however, baserunning mistakes and lack of clutch relief pitching doomed the U.S.

Japan DH Tomomi Takashima was the story on Thursday night, going 4-5 with two runs scored and two RBI. Japan rolls into the gold medal final against upstart Canada (4-1) on Friday at Botchan Stadium, while the U.S. – winners of the first two Women’s Baseball World Cups – will take on Australia (2-3) for the bronze medal.

Canada Edges Australia, 7-6

With the tournament’s other top teams beating up on each other in Botchan Stadium, Canada and Australia squared-off in a close battle of their own.

Australia put forth a valiant effort – putting up two three-run innings in the first and fifth – but Canada kept clawing back. Two runs in the bottom of the sixth ultimately pushed the Canadians ahead 7-6, and pitcher Kate Psota pitched two innings of shutout relief to slam the door on any Aussie comeback bid.

Canada moves on to the gold medal game against Japan (5-0) with the win, and Australia falls to the bronze medal game against the U.S.

Both the Chinese Taipei (2-2) vs. Korea (2-2) and Hong Kong (0-4) vs. India (0-4) games were cancelled on Thursday.  Nevertheless, these match-ups will be repeated on Friday in the 5th and 7th place contests, respectively.

Click here for more Women’s Baseball World Cup news

Tags: Canada, Japan