YUMA, Ariz. (Kyodo) Female knuckleballer Eri Yoshida gave up five runs in two innings Friday, starting in the opening game for the Yuma Scorpions in the Arizona Winter League.
The 18-year-old Yoshida held Team Canada scoreless in the first inning but struggled with her command throughout. She allowed three hits, walked one and hit four batters in a no-decision at Desert Sun Stadium. The Scorpions defeated Team Canada 14-8.
"It was just terrible," said Yoshida. "I think I used a rosin bag too much. My fingers started to feel sticky during the first inning. I couldn't deliver the ball the way I usually do."
Yoshida became the first Japanese woman to play professional baseball alongside men when she made a relief appearance for Kobe 9 Cruise in the Kansai Independent League in March last year.