We kept you updated on the V IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup through our Facebook page. Catching up on Mister-Baseball.com, Japan has defended their title in the tournament, which was held in Edmonton, Canada from August 10 to 19. Team Nippon beat the United States 3-0 in the Gold Medal Game last Sunday, led by tournament MVP Yukari Isozaki, who pitched a second complete game in as many days.
Canada finished in third place, having lost to the USA on Saturday in the semi-finals. Japan had beaten Australia en route to the finals. On the last day the Dutch team with head coach Percy Isenia also set a highlight, when they claimed the first European victory at any Women’s Baseball World Cup. They beat Cuba and finished in seventh place in the final standings. Venezuela and Chinese Taipei came in at fifth and sixth.
While the lone Women’s Baseball World Cup winners USA and Japan returned to the championship game, the tournament wasn’t as lopsided as imagined. Venezuela and Canada stunned Team USA during the preliminary round, while Japan lost to the Americans. Also level of play made another step up the ladder compared to the last edition in 2010 in Venezuela.
The Netherlands also showed much potential, playing at par with most of the teams with the exception of the top three. After several unsuccessful tries they finally prevailed in the last inning of their last game, surprising a good-hitting Cuban squad.
Final Standings
1) Japan
2) USA
3) Canada
4) Australia
5) Venezuela
6) Chinese Taipei
7) Netherlands
8) Cuba
Individual Awards
Leading Hitter: Tamara Holmes (USA)
Pitcher Best ERA: Lauren McGrath (AUS)
Pitcher Win-Loss Average: Yukaria Isozaki (JPN)
Most Runs Batted In: Yukiko Kon (JPN)
Most Home Runs: Nicole Luchansky (CAN)
Most Stolen Bases: Bronwyn Gell (AUS)
Most Runs Scored: Shae Lillywhite (AUS)
Outstanding Defensive Player: Ayako Rokkaku (JPN)
Most Valuable Player: Yukari Isozaki (JPN)
All Star Team
Best Starting Pitcher: Yukari Isozaki (JPN)
Best Relief Pitcher: Ayami Sato (JPN)
Catcher: Stephanie Savoie (CAN)
First Base: Kate Psota (CAN)
Second Base: Nicole Luchansky (CAN)
Third Base: Christina Kreppold (AUS)
Shortstop: Ayaka Deguchi (JPN)
Outfield: Iori Miura (JPN)
Outfield: Jenna Flannigan (CAN)
Outfield: Hsiao Mei Chen (TPE)
Designated Hitter: Tamara Holmes (USA)