U.S. U-18 Women’s National Team opens WBSC World Cup Group C Stage with run-rule victory over Ireland

U.S. U-18 Women’s National Team opens WBSC World Cup Group C Stage with run-rule victory over Ireland

DALLAS, Texas (August 29, 2024) — Behind a nine-run third inning, the Eagles opened the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 World Cup Group C Stage Event with a 15-0 run-rule victory over Ireland, highlighted by perfect 2-for-2 performances from Bella Ruggiero and Cayden Tullier. Brooke Wells tabbed a grand slam in the matchup, while Saylor Timmerman tossed the U.S. pitching staff’s first no-hitter of the tournament to seal the shutout win in three innings.

The U.S. quickly got on the board after a pair of walks and a single from Ruggiero put runners in scoring position for Townsen Thomas to plate two with a single to right field, putting the U.S. ahead 2-0 in the bottom of the first. Another pair of singles and a walk set the stage for Brooke Wells to send one deep for a grand slam in the bottom of the second, extending the Eagles’ lead, 6-0. The U.S. bats stayed hot through the third, with nine batters notching hits to secure the walk-off victory via run-rule, including doubles from Paislie Allen, McLaine Hudson, Ruggiero and Tullier (2). Timmerman held strong in the circle through three innings, fanning seven batters while maintaining a 0.00 ERA.

Team USA returns to action today at 3:30 p.m. CT against Australia followed by a matchup against Canada at 6:30 p.m. CT. The U.S. will face off against Mexico (Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT) and the Philippines (Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. CT) to close out opening round with the playoff round to follow on Sept. 2.

– Chad Romiti

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