The big event this weekend is being held in Texas as the WBSC U-18 World Cup features competition in Group C featuring Team USA as well as other national teams from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, and the Philippines.

The following release was issued by USA Softball to recap the opening game Thursday night for the USA Team as the Red, White & Blue run-ruled Ireland 15-0.

We’ll have reports from the event all weekend as well as player blogs and insights from WBSC World Cup Group C action.

*****

DALLAS, Texas (August 29, 2024) — Behind a nine-run third inning, the Eagles opened the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 World Cup Group C Stage Event with a 15-0 run-rule victory over Ireland, highlighted by perfect 2-for-2 performances from Bella Ruggiero and Cayden Tullier.

Brooke Wells tabbed a grand slam in the matchup, while Saylor Timmerman tossed the U.S. pitching staff’s first no-hitter of the tournament to seal the shutout win in three innings. 

The U.S. quickly got on the board after a pair of walks and a single from Ruggiero put runners in scoring position for Townsen Thomas to plate two with a single to right field, putting the U.S. ahead 2-0 in the bottom of the first.

Another pair of singles and a walk set the stage for Brooke Wells to send one deep for a grand slam in the bottom of the second, extending the Eagles’ lead, 6-0.

The U.S. bats stayed hot through the third, with nine batters notching hits to secure the walk-off victory via run-rule, including doubles from Paislie Allen, McLaine Hudson, Ruggiero and Tullier (2).

Timmerman held strong in the circle through three innings, fanning seven batters while maintaining a 0.00 ERA. 

Here’s a video recap of the game courtesy of WBSC:

Team USA returns to action on Friday at 3:30 p.m. CT against Australia followed by a matchup against Canada at 6:30 p.m. CT.

The U.S. will face off against Mexico (Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT) and the Philippines (Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. CT) to close out opening round with the playoff round to follow on Sept. 2. 

*****

Here’s the schedule for Team USA through the Labor Day:

Click HERE to see how to watch the games live…

*****

2024 U-18 Women’s National Team

COACHES