Nikola Skardova steers Czechia past Brazil

Nikola Skardova struck out seven while allowing three hits and one run, leading Czechia to a key 5-1 win against Brazil on Friday in the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Group A at Estádio Municipal de Beisebol Mie Nishi in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Skardova's dominant pitching and timely hitting from Kristyna El Ghannam, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, were pivotal in Czechia's victory. Czechia closed the Opening Round with a 3-2 record and await the results of Saturday's games to determine their final position.

Brazil struck first in the top of the first inning, taking advantage of defensive errors to score the game's first run. Amanda Handa reached first on an error by third baseman Tereza Koubova, moved to second on a bunt, and scored on a throwing error by shortstop Iva Strakova, giving Brazil a 1-0 lead.

Czechia quickly tied the game in the bottom half, with a single by El Ghannam keeping the inning alive and a run-scoring double by Strakova making it 1-1. In the third inning, Amalie Kalcevova singled to start the inning, advanced to third on a bunt and a long fly ball, and scored on a defensive error. A double by Sara Rolfesova extended the lead to 3-1.

In the fourth inning, Czechia loaded the bases with singles by Karolina Berankova and Kalcevova, and Julie Houbova was hit by a pitch. El Ghannam's grounder to second base was misplayed by the defence, scoring two more runs and securing the 5-1 victory for Czechia.