Danielle O’Toole (ESPN2 screenshot).
Former Arizona Wildcats ace Danielle O’Toole threw a one-hit shutout against one of the top teams in the world, leading Team USA to a 5-0 victory over previously undefeated Japan at the World Cup of Softball XII on Friday night in Oklahoma City.
O’Toole, who turned 23 on Friday, out three and walked three. She gave up a single to lead off the bottom of the fifth.
Team USA moved to 5-0 in the eight-team tournament, which includes seven top countries plus the U.S. Junior National Team. Japan is 5-1.
O’Toole is 2-0 in the tournament, allowing one hit in four scoreless innings vs. Mexico on Wednesday. She struck out two and walked none in that start.
The U.S. women’s team will play on Saturday against Puerto Rico (11 a.m. Tucson time) and Australia (5 p.m.) — both on ESPN2 — to complete round-robin play before a title game on Sunday. A rematch against Japan is likely at 10 a.m. on ESPN2.
In addition to O’Toole, four other players with Arizona Wildcats connections are playing in the World Cup.
Infielder Jessica Harper and catcher Dejah Mulipola, who will be sophomores next season, are with the junior team, which is 3-3 in the tournament. Mulipola hit a grand slam against Mexico on Thursday. Former Cats Brigette Del Ponte (Mexico) and Chelsea Suitos (the Philippines) are also competing.
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