The Australian Emeralds have fallen short of Canada in a thrilling Group B contest at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Florida this morning.
A four-run fourth put Australia up 6-3 before Canada scored six unanswered runs to seal a 9-6 win at USSSA Space Sports Complex.
The loss hurt the Emeralds’ hopes of reaching the Super Round with a clash against unbeaten Japan to round out the group stage tomorrow.
Australia can qualify even if they fail to end Japan’s 25-game winning streak at the World Cup but would have to rely on other results going their way.
Lead-off hitter Shae Lillywhite had two hits – including a first-inning triple – against Canada.
Catcher Tahnee Lovering was responsible for two runs scoring after walking and getting hit by a pitch.
Tomorrow’s contest against Japan starts at 8am AEST and will be broadcast live on the WBSC YouTube channel.