The following game recap is courtesy of USA Softball…
Despite taking an early lead in the opening game of the 2022 Japan All-Star Series, the world-ranked No. 1 USA Softball Women’s National Team (WNT) dropped a 2-1 decision to No. 2 Japan after a walk-off fielder’s choice allowed the Japanese to claim the first win of the three-game series.
Another closely fought battle between the top-ranked teams, Friday’s matchup featured solid defense from both squads with the U.S. working its way out of four innings with Japanese runners on base while Japan pitcher, Mio Guto, limited the Team USA offense to five hits.
Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and 2022 World Games gold medalist Ally Carda got the start in the circle for the U.S. while Team USA rookies Kelly Maxwell, Kathryn Sandercock and Megan Faraimo each saw time in the circle through the final three innings of the game. Highlighting the U.S. offense was Grace Lyons who repped the Red, White and Blue for the first time tonight with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate followed by Kayla Kowalik, Kiki Milloy and Maya Brady with one hit apiece.
#TeamUSA comes up short in Game 1 of Japan All-Star Series behind narrow 2-1 loss to Team Japan.
𝘽𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬.
→ Game 2 vs Japan
⏰ 2pm JT | 12am CTRECAP 📰 https://t.co/XknD32P4RL pic.twitter.com/iR32SY0vmB
— USA Softball Women’s National Team…
