Canada off to good start at world women’s softball championship

CHIBA, Japan — Canada opened the world women’s softball championship with a pair of victories on Friday.

Canada beat Great Britain 7-0 and followed that with a 7-0 win over Venezuela.

Canadian starter Danielle Lawrie pitched four innings of two-hit ball in the win over Great Britain. Karissa Lee pitched a scoreless fifth, after which the game ended because of the run rule (a seven-run lead after five innings results in a victory).

Kelsey Jenkins and Holly Speers had RBIs in the first inning and Canada rolled to victory.

Against Venezuela, Jenna Caira tossed a one-hitter and Janet Leung belted a three-run home run. The run rule ended the game after six innings.

Canada returns to action on Saturday against Italy.

The Canadian Press