It had been so long since the U.S. National Team had seen the bottom end of a fifth inning, some wondered if the team was prepared for a game that didn’t provide them a nine-run lead. That was until tonight.
Behind the dominant one-two punch of Monica Abbott and Jennie Finch, along with a two-run dinger from possible MVP candidate Tairia Flowers, the Team USA passed their sternest test of the World Cup tournament by defeating Japan 4-1 before a sold-out crowd in Oklahoma City.
For awhile it looked like business as usual when Crystl Bustos doubled in Caitlin Lowe in the first inning. Japan answered with a run of their own in the third, and would have had more, if not for an amazing play by Jenny Topping who received a throw up the line from Jessica Mendoza and tagged out the runner at the plate. Though Topping has yet to get a hit during the tournament her stellar defense is being noticed by her teammates -- especially her battery mate Finch.
“That’s what makes it easier to pitch when you know you have the world’s best defense behind you,” said Finch. “That catch that Toppy made really fired us up.”
Finch was inspirational herself – striking out 10 of 15 batters she faced in her two appearances on the day. Any rustiness she may have had in last year’s tournament, following the birth of her son Ace, seems to have disappeared as Finch regains the velocity and movement she had in 2005.
“I feel much better this year. I had a whole year to train and rebound and it’s made the difference,” said Finch.
With the win the U.S. squad moves to 4-0 and a likely rematch with Japan in the World Cup of Softball final. Tomorrow Team USA takes on a resurgent Canada team for the first time this season and possibly Canadian pitcher Danielle Lawrie – a foe many American hitters have struggled against.
The bad calls by the umpire on 1st spoiled a good game.