Press Release International Baseball Federation, www.ibaf.org
CARACAS, Venezuela – The 4th IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup launched into action in Caracas and Maracay, Venezuela in front of capacity crowds. The rapidly growing women’s game saw spectators in excess of 6,000 for the opener and totaled in excess of 10,000 for the opening day. The tournament got underway with two classic rivalries on the program: Japan vs. USA and Australia vs. Canada.
The official ceremony to open the event featured classical dancing, highlighting Venezuela’s rich history and culture against a backdrop of 10 visiting international teams, which appropriately demonstrated the cultural diversity of the game of baseball. The opening ceremony was immediately followed by host country Venezuela’s opening game against newcomer the Netherlands, which is competing in its first international Women’s baseball event.
The tournament highlights IBAF Presidents Fraccari’s commitment to the women’s game, “This is an exciting event; the quality of play and capacity attendance aptly show the event’s appeal and growth. All of us at IBAF are extremely happy to see the strength of the current Women’s baseball movement and look forward as it gains even more momentum in the years to come,” Mr Fraccari said. The IBAF President further noted the outstanding job done by the organizers, “Venezuela is a great nation, and a great baseball nation, and the organization and enthusiasm of this event illustrate this. “
After a very successful Day 1, the stage has now been set for the biggest and most competitive tournament in the history of the Women’s Baseball World Cup.
The event will run from August 12th, through August 22nd.
Day 1 recaps:
Hong Kong – Chinese Taipei 1 – 17 (5 innings)
Baseball Federation of Asia member Chinese Taipei demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the powers of the Women’s baseball world with a 17 – 1 defeat of emerging baseball nation Hong Kong. The 5-inning affair saw Chinese Taipei slug 12 hits, enabling them to capitalize on the 6 errors by Hong Kong. Chinese Taipei will look to go from strength to strength, and will face the ever-sharp Canada in tomorrow’s game.
Cuba – South Korea 21 – 9 (6 innings)
International baseball powerhouse Cuba proved too powerful for South Korea, with a 21 – 9 victory spread over a shortened 6 inning game. Cuba pounded out hit after hit, and will look to continue their powerful hitting against reigning gold medalist Japan in their Day 2 outing.
Japan – USA 5 – 1
The much-anticipated battle of previous gold medalists Japan and USA in Maracay saw Japan edge the USA 5 – 1. Japan racked up 13 hits to USA’s 7. The big inning for Japan came in the 4th, pushing across 4 that would prove to be the difference. Team USA has a bye scheduled for Day 2.
Canada – Australia 6 – 1
The all Commonwealth affair saw Canada edge Australia 6 – 1 over 7 innings. The game featured great defense and timely hitting. Canada proved they are a force to be reckoned with. Australia will take on the hosts Venezuela in Day 2 action.
Venezuela – Netherlands 20 – 4
Local favorite Venezuela notched up 20 runs on 17 hits against newcomers the Netherlands after the opening ceremony to move into Day 2 as a victor. The capacity crowd witnessed a demolition of the Dutch pitching, including 12 runs in the first frame.