OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Team Canada was one out away from victory before Japan rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to earn a 6-5 walk-off win Sunday afternoon in the playoff round of the 2026 USA Softball International Cup at Devon Park.
The Canadians outhit Japan 9-8 and carried a 5-4 lead into the final frame, but Saori Yamauchi delivered the game-winning hit with a two-run single to give Japan the dramatic victory.
Canada opened the scoring in the top of the first inning when Kianna Jones (Surrey, B.C.) hit a a fielder's choice that brought home the game's first run.
Japan answered in the bottom half of the inning when Yume Kiriishi lined a single down the left-field line to even the score at 1-1.
The Canadians broke the game open in the third inning.
Jones delivered an RBI single before Caitlyn Wong (Coquitlam, B.C.) drove in two runs with a base hit. Callum Maskill (Abbotsford, B.C.) followed with an RBI single of her own as Canada surged ahead 5-1.
Japan chipped away at the deficit throughout the middle innings. Kiriishi connected for a solo home run in the fourth inning before the hosts added two more runs to pull within one.
Clinging to a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the seventh, Canada saw Japan mount one final rally. Consecutive singles from Minori Naito and Yamauchi brought home the tying and winning runs, ending the game in walk-off fashion.
At the Plate
Maskill paced the Canadian offence with three hits, while Erika Polidori (Brantford, Ont.) added two hits.
Jones and Wong each recorded two RBIs, helping Canada establish its early lead. The Canadians finished the game with nine hits and turned a double play defensively.
In the Circle
Morgan Reimer (Langley, B.C.) started for Canada and allowed just one unearned run on one hit over three innings while walking one batter.
Canada's pitching staff held Japan to eight hits overall, but the hosts capitalized on late opportunities to secure the comeback victory.
Key Performers
Canada
- Callum Maskill: 3-for-3, RBI
- Kianna Jones: 2 RBI
- Caitlyn Wong: 2 RBI
- Erika Polidori: 2-for-4
- Morgan Reimer: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R (0 ER)
Up Next
Canada will conclude play at the 2026 USA Softball International Cup on Monday when it faces the U.S. Women’s Elite Team. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. CT (4:00 p.m. ET) at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ (subscription required).
