Naomi Ryan’s two RBIs, strong pitching propel USA to 2-0 win over Mexico, Group A first place

The United States completed their undefeated run in the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group A with a 2-0 victory over Mexico, behind a one-hit performance by their pitching staff and clutch hits by Naomi Ryan, who produced the only two runs of the game. 

BOX SCORE

Team USA used the same formula to score the two runs of the game, with Ryan driving in Alex Hugo. In the first inning, Hugo doubled to left field and Ryan followed with an RBI single to give USA a 1-0 lead. In the third, Hugo was hit by a pitch, and scored on a double by Ryan to left field. 

USA cemented their win with stellar pitching performances by Elise Berger, Cody Eckert, Olivia Pichardo and Megan Meidlinger, who combined for the one-hit shutout.

Berger struck out three in four innings of work, while giving up one hit and two walks. Eckert, Pichardo and Meidlinger pitched one inning each with no hits allowed. 

Mexico’s only chance to score was in the sixth inning, when Pichardo walked Edith de Leija in four pitches, and then hit Diana Ibarra with a pitch, putting the tying run on base with one out. The runners advanced on a double steal play, but Pichardo struck out Itza Hernandez and Daniela Leal to escape the jam.

With this result, USA finished Group A on top of the standings with a perfect 5-0 record. Mexico ended their campaign with a 3-2 record.