The US are seeking a record fourth title in a row and had been hitting very well in their first three games, but were largely held in check by Puerto Rico's Esperanza Coe.

It was scoreless after the regulation seven innings, and Coe continued pitching in the extra eighth inning, when each team started with a runner on second base.

Back-to-back fly balls got that US runner, Errin Coffel, home.

Puerto Rico could not respond when it was their turn to bat, so fell to a 1-0 loss.

Coe cruelly ended up the losing pitcher, despite being charged with no earned runs and just six hits over eight innings of work.

The US, with four wins from four, top the standings along with Chinese Taipei.

Five runs in the closing two innings saw the Asian side defeat Mexico 5-1.

The Czech Republic earned their second win in succession, defeating the Dutch 2-1 after two baserunners were able to score on a wild pitch and error combination.

Puerto Rico bounced back from the agonising loss to the Americans by defeating Peru 5-2.

The late game at the Villa Maria del Triunfo Sports Complex saw the host nation play Colombia, the latter victorious 2-0 as they secured their first win of the competition.

Competition continues tomorrow, with matches including the US against The Netherlands and Chinese Taipei against Peru.