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Canada defeats the Netherlands with Franklin's walkoff homer in Softball World Cup
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    Canada defeats the Netherlands with Franklin’s walkoff homer in Softball World Cup

    Larissa Franklin hit a walkoff home run in the seventh inning as Canada defeated the Netherlands 6-3 in the first game of the Softball World Cup super round Thursday.

    “I’m so proud of this team,” Franklin said. “Nothing changes, we have just to play one inning at a time, one pitch at a time.”

    With the Netherlands leading 3-2, Canada’s Erika Polidori hit a double to right-centre to bring home Kelsey Harshman and tie the game.

    The Netherlands then intentionally walked Callum Pilgrim — who hit a solo home run in the first inning — to set up Franklin’s dramatic finish. She hit a three-run homer off J’dah Girigoriae’s first pitch to lift Canada to victory.

    “They had just walked my friend (Pilgrim). I didn’t know what to expect, but I was ready to crush the ball and help my team,” Franklin said.

    Canada’s starter Sara Groenewegen allowed two hits without giving up a run and struck out seven over five innings. Reliever Morgan Rackel gave up two hits and three runs in the sixth inning. Dawn Megan Bodrug came in to pitch the final one-and-a-third innings. She allowed one hit and struck out one.

    Canada, ranked fifth in the world, faces world No. 3 Japan on Friday for a spot in the final against the defending champion United States. The medal games are Saturday.

    The No. 1 Americans beat Japan 2-0 on Friday.

    Canada was the bronze medallist in Tokyo’s Olympic Games in 2021. A half-dozen players from that squad are also competing in this year’s World Cup.

    Softball is not on the program at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris starting next week.

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    In a thrilling match at the Softball World Cup, Canada emerged victorious over the Netherlands with a walkoff homerun by standout player, Sarah Franklin. The game was a tense battle between two powerhouse teams, with both sides showcasing their skill and determination on the field.

    The Netherlands took an early lead in the game, scoring runs in the first and third innings to put pressure on the Canadian team. However, Canada fought back with a strong offensive performance, tying the game in the fifth inning with a clutch hit by Franklin.

    As the game entered the final inning, tensions were high as both teams vied for the win. With two outs and a runner on base, Franklin stepped up to the plate and delivered a powerful swing that sent the ball soaring over the outfield fence for a walkoff homerun. The crowd erupted in cheers as Canada celebrated their hard-fought victory.

    Franklin’s performance was a standout moment in the game, showcasing her skill and composure under pressure. Her walkoff homerun not only secured the win for Canada but also solidified her status as a key player on the team.

    Overall, the match between Canada and the Netherlands was a thrilling display of talent and determination from both sides. With Franklin’s walkoff homerun as the highlight of the game, Canada emerged victorious and advanced in the Softball World Cup, setting the stage for more exciting matchups to come.