Prague, Czechia — Team Canada built a big lead early and cruised to a 7-1 win over Australia on the second day of competition of the Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage on Wednesday. All of Canada’s scoring came in a seven run first inning, while pitcher Dawn Bodrug was able to regularly record the early outs throughout the game.
A Strong Start
After retiring Australia in order in the top of the first, the Canadian offence went to work. Emma Entzminger was hit by a pitch followed by a single by CC Wong to put runners on the corners. An error allowed Entzminger to score the opening run, and after another hit by pitch loaded the bases, Kianna Jones ripped a two-run double to center. An RBI groundout by Larissa Franklin and a run-scoring single by Janet Leung added two more runs, with Logan Forman putting an exclamation point on the big inning with a two-run homerun to center.
Settling into the Middle Innings
Australia went down in order again in the second as Canadian pitcher Dawn Bodrug continued to pound the zone with two strikeouts. The red and white put two runners on base with a single by Erika Polidori and a double by Franklin, but a double play and a lineout stopped them from adding to their lead. Bodrug got two outs to start the third before Australia was able to get on the board, drawing a walk and a single before an error plated one run. Both teams were able to put runners on base in the fourth and fifth innings but were unable to score.
Closing out the Win
With the score 7-1 in the top of the sixth, Bodrug retired the first two batters once again before Australia was able to get runners to second and third after a pair of singles and a passed ball. Kelsey Harshman made a great leaping catch to her left at second base to prevent two potential runs from scoring. After six solid innings from Bodrug, Morgan Reimer came out to pitch the seventh, allowing a leadoff single but following that up with a ground out and two strikeouts to end the game.
By the Numbers
- Canada: 7 runs, 10 hits
- Australia: 1 run, 5 hits
- Home Runs (CAN): Forman (1)
- Doubles (CAN): Jones (1), Franklin (1)
Key Performers
Canada:
- Logan Forman: HR, 2 RBI, BB, SB
- Janet Leung: 2-for-3, RBI, run
- Kelsey Harshman: 2-for-3, run
- Kianna Jones: 1-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB, run
- Larissa Franklin: 1-for-3, 2B, RBI
- Dawn Bodrug: 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 4 K
In the Circle
Bodrug was very efficient in the circle and cruised to the win, allowing only one unearned run on four hits with four strikeouts in six innings. Reimer closed the final inning allowing one hit and striking out two.
Watch and Follow Along
Fans can rewatch the full game on the CBC Sports YouTube channel. Game highlights are also available on CBC Sports.
Canada returns to action Thursday morning against Cuba at 4:00 a.m. ET as tournament play continues in Prague.
For the full WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup broadcast and streaming schedule, visit:🔗https://www.cbc.ca/sports/streaming-schedule?sport=Softball
