Greenville, NC – Toms River opened its run at the Little League Softball World Series with a 4-1 loss to Kinki Softball Little League of Sangō, Japan on Sunday, sending the New Jersey champions into the elimination bracket of the double-elimination tournament.
Japan built an early three-run advantage and received a dominant performance from pitcher Sara Matsuda, who worked six innings while allowing one run and striking out four. Toms River will now face an elimination game Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Greenville, North Carolina.
Related: Toms River, Little League Softball World Series, Greenville, Japan
Japan capitalizes on early opportunities
Toms River threatened in the top of the first inning when Analeise Curley led off with a single and Jaelyn Brown added another base hit with one out. Despite putting two runners aboard, the Mid-Atlantic champions were unable to bring either home.
Japan answered in the bottom of the first, scoring three runs on one hit while taking advantage of two Toms River errors to seize control of the game.
Play was interrupted by a rain delay in the second inning with Japan holding a 3-0 lead before action resumed later Sunday.
Toms River rallies but can’t close the gap
The New Jersey squad finally broke through in the fourth inning after Jaelyn Brown drew a two-out walk. Courtesy runner Franki Velardi advanced into scoring position before Briella Bognar drove an RBI double off the outfield fence, trimming the deficit to 3-1.
Japan responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning with a two-out RBI of its own to restore a three-run cushion at 4-1. Matsuda closed out the game from there, limiting Toms River’s offense over the final two innings to secure the opening-round victory.
What happens next
The loss drops Toms River into the elimination bracket of the 12-team tournament. Because the Little League Softball World Series uses a double-elimination format, the New Jersey champions remain alive but must defeat their next opponent Tuesday at 7 p.m. to continue their championship run.
Toms River earned its place in Greenville after winning the Mid-Atlantic Region championship over Minersville, Pennsylvania. The Little League Softball World Series continues through Aug. 9 with games televised on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, with streaming available on ESPN+.
