Japan have hit double figures in both of their matches in the round-robin after thrashing the Philippines 13-0 in just four innings at the Campo da Baseball-Softball Gino Michelutti.

They scored seven runs in the first inning including a home run from Kyoko Ishikawa, and added six in the second.

However, Italy have played a game more than Japan, and top Group C with three victories from three.

They triumphed 9-0 against New Zealand in the opening match of the day, with McKenzie Barbara and Erika Piancastelli both scoring home runs.

Italy also won the last match of the day, beating Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Canada 6-1 in impressive fashion.

Marta Gasparotto put Italy in front in the third inning with a run batted in chopper, and her team added a further five runs in the fourth to go 6-0 in front before Canada pulled one back in the seventh.

The results leave Italy and Japan in first and second place in Group C, with the top two advancing to a playoff match in which the winner can secure an automatic place at next year's WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals in Italy.

The teams ranked third and fourth also go through to the playoffs, with the winner playing the loser of the tie between the top two in a repechage match for the second place in the Finals from Group C.

Canada are third after three matches with two wins and one defeat.

New Zealand are fourth, but have lost their opening two matches along with the Philippines and Venezuela.