Venezuela come from behind to outscore France in six innings
World No. 16 France scored their first run in the Women's Baseball World Cup before they got their first hit and stayed in the game for four innings thanks to smooth defence. No. 5 Venezuela broke the score open with a six-run fifth and went on to end the game in six innings, 11-1.
France didn't need a hit to score their historic first run in the Women's Baseball World Cup. Venezuela's starter, Frandelis Garcia, allowed a leadoff walk to Angelique Andre. The French left fielder advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and an error and scored on a failed pickoff attempt to second.
Venezuela scored the tying run in the bottom of the second. With two outs, centre fielder Marbel Diaz advanced to third on consecutive wild pitches and scored as right fielder Abril Marin's single.
Shortstop Léna Sellam hit the first French hit in the top of the third.
Venezuela took the lead in the bottom of the third. French starter Camille Foucher loaded the bases on two walks and a hit-by-pitch. Ruclaireth Tovar singled to put Venezuela ahead. The third run scored on a comebacker to the mound. Foucher decided to get the out at first, letting the runner score from third. Venezuela made it 4-1 on a sacrifice fly by Frandelis Garcia.
France blew a scoring opportunity in the top of the fourth. With runners at second and first, they failed to advance them with a bunt. Amina Taleb got to Garcia with a hard-hit liner to first base but lined into an inning-ending double play.
Foucher left with one out and the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth. Reliever Coralie Guilleminot the second out at home and got out of the inning with a force out at second.
Venezuela broke the score open in the bottom of the fifth. Guillemin loaded the bases on walks, then allowed a three-RBI triple to catcher Mariana Valdez. Guillemin loaded the bases again, hitting a batter, and Venezuela added three runs on three singles, extending their lead to 10-1.
Venezuela will play their second game against No. 2 Chinese Taipei to open the day on Thursday, 14 September. France will face the hosts and No. 1 Madonna Japan in the night game.