The following information courtesy of WBSC & USA Softball

After shutting out all five of its previous opponents at the WBSC U-15 Women’s World Cup, including Mexico 7-0 yesterday in the first game of Super Round action, today Team USA was upset by Japan 3-2.

Today’s loss brings the Eagles to an overall 6-1 record, with one Super Round matchup left to play.

🎉🇯🇵 Japan win the clash of titans against USA and advance to the final

WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup 2025#SoftballWorldCupWU15 pic.twitter.com/y6E74fEszR

— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) July 3, 2025

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How It Happened

Four Japanese pitchers—Haru Kitamura, Saya Nakamura, Juria Takahara and Ran Nagata, limited the United States team to three hits as Japan beat the defending World Champions and secured the home team advantage in the final.

The US allowed two runs on back-to-back bases-loaded walks in the bottom of the first. It was the first earned run allowed and the first game in which the United States conceded more than one run.

Team Japan took the early lead in the bottom of the first after a pair of bases-loaded walks pushed two across, giving them a 2-0 edge.

The Eagles answered back in the top of the third after Thomas doubled to center and later scored on a dropped fly ball hit by Ashleigh Bronowicz.

Kyndall Johnson added a second run to tie it up in the top of the fifth after Mia Ennis laid down a bunt single — resulting in a throwing error that allowed Johnson to score.

Japan scored its final run of the game in the bottom of the fifth following a fielding miscue from the U.S. defense that allowed one across. Despite runners on base in the top of the seventh, Team USA was unable to muster any runs, falling short to Japan, 2-3.

The U.S. offense had a combined three hits on the day, with one hit apiece off the bats of Mia Ennis, Skyla Saito and Makenzie Thomas.

Maci Barnes got the start in the circle for the Eagles, striking out one batter and allowing two earned runs through 3.2 innings before Leona Eichholz took over to collect two strikeouts in the loss.

Click here to view all box scores, roster info & more » 

Team USA looks to bounce back tomorrow, July 4, in its final matchup of Super Round against Puerto Rico at 6:30 p.m. CEST / 11:30 a.m. CT.

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Team Standings as of Today

World No. 2 Japan became the first finalist of the WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup 2025 with its win today.

The United States must beat No. 3 Puerto Rico—which guaranteed a spot in the bronze-medal game with a win against No. 4 Chinese Taipei—on Friday.

No. 9 Mexico beat No. 8 Czechia, and the two teams are now tied at 1-3.

Chinese Taipei (0-3) could create a three-way tie in fourth place with a win against Mexico. Czechia will face Japan to close the Super Round.

In the Placement Round, No. 6 Canada defeated No. 64 American Samoa and secured the leading position, ultimately finishing in seventh place overall.

No. 7 Italy (3-1) and No. 10 Australia (2-2) will play a head-to-head match on Friday, which will be a one-game playoff for eighth place.