USA shuts out hosts, claims Women’s Softball Japan Cup

USA Women’s Softball National Team completed the 2018 season with a 4-0 victory over Japan, to claim the Japan Cup. Monica Abbott pitched a complete game, 2-hit shutout, while Amanda Chidester and Delaney Spaulding each blasted two-run home runs in the final game of the tournament.

The four-team competition was held in Takasaki City, Japan. Australia defeated Chinese Taipei, 4-1, in the bronze medal game.

The U.S. got on the board and never looked back in the top of the fourth inning. A two out walk to Valerie Arioto put one on with two outs for Spaulding. On her first pitch Spaulding drove a ball over the right field fence for a two-run blast and put the U.S. up 2-0.

Chidester added to the lead in the top of the fifth inning with her two-run shot. Aubree Munro doubled with a fly ball to center with one out and two batters later Chidester drilled the ball over the fence, making it a four-run game for the Americans.

Abbot threw the complete game and claimed the win striking out 10 Japanese batters, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks.

The conclusion of the Japan Cup brings the 2018 season to an end for the USA Softball Women’s National Team. In addition to the Japan Cup title, the U.S. also claimed: the USA Softball International Cup, won its second WBSC Women’s Softball World Championships in a row, and qualified for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.