Japan blanks Canada at softball worlds

One error by Canada loomed large as the team lost 2-0 to Japan on Tuesday at the women’s softball world championship. A throwing error by Canadian second baseman Kelsey Jenkins with two out in the third led to the only two runs of the game for Japan. The Canadians (4-2) sit third in Group B heading into their preliminary pool finale Wednesday against winless Botswana. Meanwhile, Kristi Merritt and Sahvanna Jaquish homered as the United States beat South Africa 7-0 in five innings to improve to 6-0. The U.S. will play Puerto Rico (6-0) Wednesday with first place in the group at stake. The winner of the tournament will be awarded a 2020 Olympic berth.