Mejia, Salazar lead Mexico past Australia
Mexico clinched a narrow 2-0 victory over Australia in the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group C at The Village in Dallas, USA, on Sunday. With Clarissa Mejia contributing key RBIs, Mexico secured their first win of the day in their doubleheader.
Mexico broke the deadlock in the bottom of the third inning. With two runners in scoring position, Mejia came through with a single up the middle, driving in both runs to give Mexico a 2-0 lead.
Australia had opportunities to respond but struggled to break through. In the top of the fifth inning, Rhiannon Smith’s potential game-tying extra-base hit was snatched by a marvellous leaping catch from Aryanna Salazar, preventing Australia from closing the gap.
In the bottom of the fifth, Mexico attempted to add to their lead with Ana Paula Oquita attempting a suicide squeeze bunt, but a brilliant defensive play by Australia’s Indy Munro threw Izel Avalos out at home to keep the game close.
Lilianna Acosta delivered a strong performance in the circle for Mexico, keeping Australia’s offence at bay and securing the 2-0 win. Mexico’s victory saw them finish the first game of their doubleheader with a confirmed spot in the Play-Offs.