(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup 2025: USA Clinch Final Spot, China and Japan to Battle for Second Berth
Day 3 of the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2025 delivered high drama as Team USA staged a thrilling comeback to beat Japan 5-4, securing their place in the World Championship Final. China also impressed with a 7-3 victory over Mexico, setting up a decisive clash against Japan for the second spot in the title game.
USA 5-4 Japan – A Stunning Comeback
In one of the most intense games of the tournament, Aspen Boulware stole the spotlight. The USA star smashed a 233-foot homer in the top of the seventh inning, sealing the comeback win. Boulware went 3-for-3 at the plate, scoring three runs and driving in two.
Pitcher Caroline Stanton put in a complete-game performance, allowing four runs on three hits while consistently clocking between 69–71 mph.
Japan led 4-2 early behind starter Mayumi Fujiwara, but a dropped infield fly in the fifth inning allowed USA to tie the game. Relief pitcher Erin Sato was charged with the loss after conceding the decisive homer.
With this win, USA (2-0) lock in the top Super Round spot and will play the World Championship Final on Wednesday at Devon Park as the home team.
China 7-3 Mexico – Strong Super Round Start
China bounced back in style, defeating Mexico 7-3 thanks to a big night from Min Lin, who went 3-for-3 with two RBIs.
Pitcher Menghuan Zhou secured her third straight win of the tournament, throwing 4.2 innings in relief. Starter Yuyan Duan opened with 2.1 scoreless innings.
Mexico’s Lilianna Acosta was charged with the loss.
With both China and Japan standing at 1-1, their clash on Tuesday will decide who joins USA in the gold medal game, while the loser will battle Mexico for bronze.
Placement Round – Canada and Czechia Shine
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Canada 4-3 Puerto Rico
Canada rallied with a three-run homer from Raphaelle Bouchard in the sixth inning to edge Puerto Rico. Pitcher Emma Frisky was outstanding in relief, striking out six in 3.1 innings. -
Czechia 6-1 Chinese Taipei
Czechia’s Krystina El Ghannam hit a huge 245-foot homer to power her team past Chinese Taipei. Pitcher Nikola Skardova went the distance, allowing just one run on three hits.
Czechia now lead the Placement Round with two wins, while Canada and Chinese Taipei sit at 1-1. Puerto Rico remain winless.
What’s Next?
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Super Round:
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China vs Japan → Winner advances to the Final against USA
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USA vs Mexico → Mexico prepare for the Bronze Medal Game
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Placement Round:
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Puerto Rico vs Chinese Taipei (10:00)
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Canada vs Czechia (13:00)
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