Brilliant struggle for top of pool C won by Russia

Great Britain and Russia met on Tuesday’s evening as two unbeaten teams to fight for the first place in group C. The British started perfectly with four runs in top of first inning and played well also in defense, nonetheless the Russians managed to came back later in the game and even won it in top of the seventh.

The British started without any respect hitting anything that flew around including balls and getting the Russians under pressure. First run came quickly by Moore after error of Russia and then Alicija Wolny showed, what she can do hitting a home-run with two team-mates on bases. Comfort 4-0 lead was a fantastic opener for the United Kingdom. Besides that, they managed to defend well and kept their lead until the bottom of fourth.

Russia was able to equalize in the fourth mainly thanks to Larionova, who could have repeat Wolny’s hit over fence from the beginning but sadly, her hit was few meters shorter. However, it still meant 3 RBIs as she pulled down all three players on bases. Plus there was one more complete run just before Larionova’s hit to make it even.

The British replied immediately and got back in front. Wolny’s RBI single pulled down Moore and Headly’s center field hit let Wolny scored. Another single into center field by Louie was enough for Kori Waugh to finish her run and get home getting the British three points ahead. However, the Russians then continued in a great offensive display from fourth inning and equalized once again. Buchenkova scored on the error, Eronina was out by catch in the right field, but give enough time to Egiazarova to finish her run and Povarova scored on Levich’s RBI single into center field.

Decisive point was the sixth inning, where the British left two players on bases. The Russians scored once thanks to Semenova’s squeeze-play with Larionova on third and managed to defend the lead in top of 7th.

Post-Game Comments

Alicija Wolny (player of team Great Britain): „It was a great game. Credit to Russia, because they had some great hits and got the runs they needed. We knew they had some good pitchers before the game and we prepared well, but we wanted to play our ball and don’t let them force us their game.“

Eygenia Egiazarova (player of team Russia): „When we got back in game, it just felt that nothing could stop us. We just went forward and had nothing to lose really, because we were already in top 8. I think it’s the best team Russia had in last years despite it’s also the youngest one. It was tough to get back, but we never stopped going. It wouldn’t upset us if we lose, but we definetly wanted to win our pool.“