The Women’s National Team, the Emeralds, have won the bronze at the 2014 ENEOS presents VI IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup. Coming back from an early 2-0 deficit, the Emeralds were able to beat Canada in 7 innings with a final score of 3-2.
After Canada put two runs on the board in the top of the first and an extensive rain delay, which caused the teams to have to change fields, the Emeralds came back fighting. Putting a run on the board in each of the second, fifth and seventh innings, as well as holding Canada scoreless for the remainder of the game.
Shae Lillywhite and Christina Kreppold each had two hits with an RBI and Leigh Godfrey, Taylah Welch and Bronwyn Gell each had a hit apiece. Stephanie Gaynor was awarded the victory after coming in to replace Melinda Latimer in the second, only giving up one hit and no runs in her best performance for the Emeralds.
Helping coach them to their Bronze victory were two Major league Baseball stars. Two-time New York Yankees World Series Champion and Australian Sporting Hall of Famer, Graeme Lloyd as the pitching coach. As well as Luke Hughes who was the 106th person to hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat.
This is the second medal for the Emeralds, after their silver medal at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Venezuela in 2010. As well as payback for Canada's bronze medal victory over the Emeralds two years ago at the 2012 World Cup in Canada. The Emeralds are now ranked No. 3 in the world behind no.1 Japan and no. 2 USA.
After an impressive tournament for Shae Lillywhite, she earned the honours of "best second base woman" and named on the All-Star team. Leigh Godfrey also makes history being the first player in history to win medals at both baseball and softball world championships.
For more updates about the Emeralds visit emeralds.baseball.com.au or follow the official Facebook and Twitter pages.
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