Two More Pool Play Games, then Playoff Round
Night 2 of the 4 Nations Cup delivered crucial results that have set up a dramatic final day in Saskatoon, with pool play concluding today before the playoff rounds determine the tournament champion.
USA Bounces Back Against Japan 4-1
The United States rebounded from their opening night heartbreak with a solid 4-1 victory over Japan, evening their record at 1-1 and keeping their tournament hopes alive.
Erick Ochoa earned player of the game honors for Team USA, going 2-for-3 with a home run in the winning effort. Japan’s Morita matched Ochoa’s offensive output with an identical 2-for-3 performance including a solo homer, but it wasn’t enough as Japan fell to 0-2 and faces elimination heading into the final day.
Canada Stays Perfect with 4-2 Win Over New Zealand
The host nation continued their dominant tournament run, defeating New Zealand 4-2 to improve to 2-0. Canada’s balanced attack and home crowd support have them sitting atop the standings as pool play nears its conclusion.
New Zealand, despite the loss, remains in contention at 1-1 after their dramatic opening night victory over the United States.
Final Day Drama Awaits
Today’s pool play finale features two crucial matchups that will determine playoff seeding:
12pm Saskatchewan Time: New Zealand vs Japan A must-win game for Japan (0-2) to stay alive, while New Zealand (1-1) looks to secure a strong playoff position.
2pm Saskatchewan Time: Canada vs USA The undefeated hosts face the resilient Americans in what could be a preview of the championship game.
Following pool play, the playoff rounds begin at 5pm and 7pm, bringing the three-day 4 Nations Cup tournament to its exciting conclusion.
With Canada unbeaten, elimination stakes for Japan, and both the USA and New Zealand fighting for playoff positioning, today promises to deliver the kind of softball drama that has made this tournament unmissable.
Games continue to stream live on Softball Premier TV.