The Australian Emeralds were made to wait for their first victory at the Women's World Cup in Florida, after weather suspended their game against Cuba. Despite the delay, Australia finished the better, scoring the last seven runs to defeat Cuba 12-4.
The delay began with Australia holding a one run lead, however an offensive explosion after the resumption of play put the game beyond doubt. The Emeralds plated six runs in the bottom of the fourth, and with a dominant relief appearance from Laura Neads, the Emeralds claimed win number one.
Neads only gave up one hit in 3.2 stellar relief innings, as the NSW veteran kept the Cuban offence at bay.
Western Australian Natalie House started the game off in style for the Australians with a one-out double in the bottom of the first, and was almost instantly driven in thanks to an RBI triple from Chelsea Forkin as Australia got the scoring going.
Forkin was one of Australia's best with bat in hand, going 3-for-3 with three RBI on the day. Taylah Welch didn't miss a trick despite not taking part in the 2016 tournament, claiming three hits and a stellar defensive play in left-field.
Taylah Welch
LIVE: Cuba 0-2 Australia 2st Inning #WomensBaseball #WorldCup @teamausbaseball pic.twitter.com/irGApiJ80N
Cuba plated three runs of their own in the top of the second to take their first lead of the ballgame, but the Emeralds consistent scoring proved the difference, as they plated runs in the first five innings.