The Australian Emeralds fell to Japan in their final Group B game at the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Florida this morning.
The 5-1 loss to Japan – combined with Hong Kong’s comeback win over Cuba – ended the Emeralds’ hopes of reaching the Super Round.
Australia fell behind in the bottom of the first before halving Japan’s advantage in the second.
Taylah Welch hit a lead-off double and scored on a double from Morgan Doty.
Japan padded its lead with a three-run third
Australia finished level with Japan on six hits.
Bronwyn Gell was responsible for two of the hits.
Reliever Kim McMillan worked 3 1/3 scoreless innings for the Emeralds.
Australia’s first consolation game will be played on Wednesday morning, with its opponent to be determined when Group A action concludes.