Undefeated and U15 Softball World Cup host Japan (3-0) dominated a young and promising Team Italy (1-2) in an afternoon game at the Setagaya City Okura Sports Center on Monday, October 23, 2023. Japanese pitchers Risora Kajime (3 IP), Sari Nagatomo (2 IP) and Shion Yamamoto (1 IP) combined to toss a no-hitter against the Italians.
Team Italy countered with starting pitcher Federica Forlani, who looked good striking out two hitters early but surrendered three runs in the top of the first inning, She was replaced by Giulia Colino in the top of the fourth inning when Japan tacked on two more runs.and added one more in top of the fifth inning. Reliever Rebecca Soldi did her best to limit the damage in the top of the sixth inning after two runs had already crossed the plate and she inherited two runners in scoring position when entering the contest. In the end, the Japanese rallied for six runs to make it a 12-0 shutout.
Team Italy managed to get one runner on base in the bottom of the fourth inning when Giulia Colino worked an eight-pitch walk and stole second base but remained stranded without scoring.
JAPAN-ITALY BOX SCORE
Team Italy returns for two games on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 beginning at 10 am (local time) with a clash against Peru followed by a battle against Chinese Taipei at 12:30 pm (local time).
Forza #Italia!
by Roberto Angotti
OFFICIAL U15 SOFTBALL WORLD CUP WEBSITE
PLAY-BY-PLAY AND RESULTS
STANDINGS
STATS
(Photo of Team Italy’s Giulia Colino stealing second base against Japan at the U15 Softball World Cup on October 23, 2023 courtesy of World Baseball Softball Confederation)
