The Emeralds have played three warm-up games in Osaka, Japan prior to the 2014 Women’s World Cup in Miyazaki.
Their second warm-up game was against Japanese Professional League Team All-Stars, including players from Shae Lillywhite’s previous team South Dione. The team out hit and out pitched their opponent, but was unable to put the runs on the board narrowly losing the game 1-0. Great pitching was seen from Melinda Latimer, Georgia Blair, Amy Collins and Jacinda Barclay and hitting from Shae Lillywhite, Katie Gaynor and Rachael Higgins.
Last night the Emeralds took on the Kansai All-Stars, where great baseball was played for 7 innings. After scoring one run in the first, the Emeralds were able to hold Kansai scoreless for 5 innings. The Emeralds scored consistently, but a 6 run inning by Kansai in the 7th saw the Emeralds lose 6-7.
Today is a practice day, and the players will work with Japanese baseball students on their English skills. The Emeralds will play their last practice game tomorrow against the Riseisha College of Medicine and Sport at 11:30 am (12:30 pm AEST).
The Emeralds Cultural Visit with the Riseisha College of Medicine and Sport has been supported by the Australian Government through the Australia-Japan Foundation.
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