World No. 1 United States came from behind to defeat a brave No. 5 Canada. Right fielder Maya Brady gave the US their first lead in the bottom of the second with a bases-loaded double, and Kelly Maxwell no-hit Canada for four innings to earn the win.
Ally Carda started for the defending World Champions USA. Canada got on the scoreboard in the top of the first. Erika Polidori walked and ran all the way to home plate on a two-out double by right fielder Callum Pilgrim.
Canada added to the lead in the top of the third. Grace Messmer led off with a single and advanced to second after Kelsey Harshmann walked. Erika Polidori worked the count to 3-1, then doubled to right field to make it 2-0. With runners and third and second and no one out, Carda retired the side in order.
Kelly Maxwell took over for Carda in the top of the fourth.
USA got their first hit against Canadian starter Morgan Rackel. in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Rackel walked Amanda Lorenz. Jocelyn Alo followed with a hard-hit chopper that went beyond the glove of shortstop Janet Leung and was ruled a single. With runners at the corners, Jessie Warren hit a slow roller up the middle. Leung got the force out at second, but Lorenz scored on the play.
Canada relieved Rackel with Down Bodrug, who walked the first batter she faced, Dejah Mulipola. She then retired Janae Jefferson on a fly to left to end the inning.
Bodrug hit Maya Brady with one out in the bottom of the fifth. Leadoff hitter Haylie McCleney moved her to second with a base hit. Hannah Flippen hit a chopper up the middle and scored Brady to tie the game.
Jessica Warren led off the bottom of the sixth with a single. Bodrug walked the bases loaded with one out. Right fielder Maya Brady smashed the first pitch by Bodrug in the gap to left centre for a two-RBI double, giving USA its first lead.
Sarah Groenewegen replaced Bodrug. A sacrifice fly by McCleney made it 5-2 for the defending World Champions.
USA will face No. 6 Italy in Day 2 night game. Canada will play at 14:00 (local time) against No. 17 China.
