The Spaniards took to the Camp Municipal de Beisbol i Softbol in Valencia where they smashed 13 runs past their opponents in the first innings.

The was eventually ended early, after the fourth innings instead of seven, with Spain prevailing 14-0.

An inside-the-park, three-run home-run by Meritxell Blesa highlighted Spain's opening period where they connected seven of the nine game hits.

Starting pitcher Beatriz Alonso threw two perfect innings for Spain as she struck out the six batters that she faced. 

Relief pitcher Ariadna Cerda then delivered what turned out to be the last two innings and gave up just one hit.

The only South African hit came off the bat of Shane Luyt in the third inning.

The first match of the day saw the Netherlands suffer a narrow 4-3 loss to Cuba.

It was the first time the Cubans had beaten the European champions after also losing to them in the 2016 and 2010 World Cups.

Yanisleidys Casanova was the key for Cuba as she recorded three hits from three at bats.

Her time at the plate resulted in two runs batted in and one run scored which also saw her named as player of the day.

Yilian Tornes pitched the whole game for Cuba and struck six batters out while allowing seven hits, three runs, and four walks.

China then picked up a solid 2-0 win against fourth seed Puerto Rico against the odds.

A two-run single from Xiaoyan He was the difference maker for 11th seed China who had three pitchers take to the mound throughout the match.

Between Yinan Chei, Yuchen Wei, and Lan Wang, China limited their opposition to four hits.

The Chinese meet the Netherlands in the first match of day two tomorrow before Cuba play South Africa. 

South Africa are then in action in the next match against Puerto Rico and Spain play Cuba in the last fixture.