'Donny Chicks' shine at 2006 Women's World Cup of Baseball

'Donny Chicks' shine at 2006 Women's World Cup of Baseball

Australia has walked away with its head up with a respectable 4-2 record at the 2006 Women's World Cup. With wins against Canada, Chinese Taipei, Cuba and Hong Kong, and only losses to eventual Gold and Silver medallists the US and Japan, Australia could consider themselves unlucky not to have a medal.

With the US capturing Gold with a 5-1 record (only loss to Canada on Day 1), Japan, Australia and Canada finished equal on 4-2. As head to head between these 3 teams failed to determine the placing's (as Japan def Aust, Aust def Canada & Canada def Japan), a ‘for and against calculation’ from scores in games between these 3 teams was used.

And after the dust had settled, Japan was awarded the silver and, although Australia defeated them comfortably in the round robin games 9-4, Canada was given the bronze and Australia relegated to 4th.

Here is a review of their performances:

Amy McCann: Played every inning of every game in Centre Field. She had a team leading 9 hits and .500 batting average, giving her the 2nd best average in the tournament overall. Received a selection in the World Cup 'All Star Team' as an outfielder. Was named joint Team MVP for game against US.

Alisa Ruggiero: Alisa made 2 pitching appearances for Australia against two powerhouse teams, starting against the US in Game 3 and relieving against Canada in Game 6. In total she pitched 6.1 innings and gave up only 6 runs, although her statistics do not reveal how well she pitched given her tough opposition. Was named joint Team MVP for game against US.

Ailsa Davidson: Made 3 pitching appearances for Australia. In relief against the US 1.1 innings, and Japan 0.2 innings, and was the starter and winning pitcher against Canada in final game pitching 5.0 innings. Pitched 7.0 innings intotal across the tournament, only allowing 3 runs. Was named Team MVP for game against Canada.

Samantha Hamilton: Played every inning of every game in Left Field. Won Tournament 'Stolen base' award with 6. Second in team RBIs with 7 and runs with 6. Had key hit in game against Cuba with a 2-RBI triple.

Jade Hough: Played 3B for majority of the tournament. Was unlucky with the bat receiving 7 walks in first 14 plate appearances. In the field she was not as solid as we have known, but did make some usual great 'Houghy' plays.
 

More photos....

Sam, Alisa and Ailsa fire for Australia.

Amy scores for Australia (left)  &  Jade knocks one in (right)

Official tournament statistics leaders and results at www.baseball.ch/W/W.htm

More Australian Photos at www.baseball.org.au