USA Defeat China to Qualify for 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The United States booked their place in the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals after defeating China 7-0 in six innings at Devon Park in Oklahoma City.
Maya Brady was the standout performer for the hosts, hitting three home runs and collecting five RBIs. The USA pitching duo of Karlyn Pickens and Rachel Garcia also delivered a dominant performance, combining for a no-hitter against China.
The result gave the United States the first direct qualification spot from the Oklahoma City group. Japan, Puerto Rico, Canada and Chinese Taipei have also secured places in the Finals, with Australia already qualified as the host nation.
USA Make Fast Start Against China
The United States immediately took control of the play-off game between the top two teams from the opening round.
Jayda Coleman opened the bottom of the first inning with a double before Brady followed with a two-run home run to right field.
The hosts added another two runs later in the inning. After Alyssa Brito reached base with a walk and advanced following Skylar Wallace’s sacrifice bunt and a groundout, Tiare Jennings hit a two-run homer to centre field.
That gave the USA a 4-0 advantage after the opening inning.
Brady Adds Two More Home Runs
Brady continued her outstanding tournament in the second inning with another home run.
Her 258-foot drive to centre field extended the USA’s lead to 5-0 and marked her fourth homer of the tournament at that stage.
The 25-year-old, who plays her club softball in Oklahoma, would later add another two-run homer to complete her three-home-run performance.
USA Pitchers Complete No-Hitter
The American pitching staff kept China’s batters under constant pressure throughout the game.
Pickens worked the first three innings, giving up only two walks while striking out four batters. She did not allow a hit before Garcia entered the game in relief.
Garcia was equally effective, retiring all nine batters she faced through the sixth inning and recording six strikeouts.
Together, the two pitchers completed a combined no-hitter as the USA moved closer to an early victory.
Third Home Run Seals Qualification
With the USA leading 5-0, Brady delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the sixth.
She hit a two-run home run into deep right-centre field, giving the United States a 7-0 lead and bringing the game to an early conclusion under the run-ahead rule.
Brady finished with five of the USA’s seven RBIs, while Pickens was credited with the win after three hitless innings. Garcia completed three perfect innings in relief.
The victory secured the United States’ place in the Finals of the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup in Australia.
