JENNIE FINCH FOLLOWUP
(Press release by USA Softball)
OKLAHOMA CITY – In Jennie Finch’s final game as a member of the USA Softball Women’s National Team, the Americans sent the icon out in fitting fashion as Team USA captured its fourth consecutive World Cup title at the 2010 KFC World Cup of Softball presented by Six Flags in Oklahoma City, Okla. Finch (La Mirada, Calif.), best known for her pitching, appeared at first base in the 5-1 victory over Japan, the 2010 ISF Women’s World Championship silver medalists.
Following the game, Finch left her cleats at home plate, with her husband Casey Daigle and son Ace by her side. Finch has been a member of the Women’s National Team for 10 years, helping the Red, White and Blue to an Olympic Gold Medal in 2004 and Silver Medal in 2008.
“I have had a career that has far surpassed anything that I could have ever imagined. Just thinking about everything that has happened, all I can say is ‘Wow.’ I’m incredibly blessed to have had all of these opportunities,” said Finch, a three-time ISF Women’s World Champion. “I am sad that this was the last time I’ll wear this uniform, something that means so much to me, but I’m so happy for the chance to wear it. I’m so happy that I could do what I love with these amazing women, who are not only my teammates but my best friends, and am so thankful for how they have touched my life. I’m not sure what comes next for me. I just know that softball will always be a part of my life.”
Natasha Watley (Irvine, Calif.), who had all of the team wear Finch’s signature glitter headband with the slogan “Dream and Believe” on the band, was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3, scoring two runs and driving in one other to help Team USA to a fifth consecutive victory over Japan this season.
Team USA starter Monica Abbott (Salinas, Calif.) threw a complete game, allowing one run on four hits. Abbott struck out 10, moving her World Cup record total to 35.
“I don’t think Jennie will ever not be the face of softball,” Abbott said. “She carries it so well and she’s done more. I think that even though she’s retiring her on field skills, the limits are boundless for her. We should all expect the best from her. I think her impact on the game is going to jump up a level from here. Obviously, USA Softball wise, we’re going to need some people step up and hopefully some good young guns. Eileen Canney did a great job this week. It’s always fun to see that. Hopefully Cat (Osterman) will get healthy. I think it’s all up for grabs. Everyone is going to go out there and do the best that they can.” OKLAHOMA CITY – In Jennie Finch’s final game as a member of the USA Softball Women’s National Team, the Americans sent the icon out in fitting fashion as Team USA captured its fourth consecutive World Cup title at the 2010 KFC World Cup of Softball presented by Six Flags in Oklahoma City, Okla. Finch (La Mirada, Calif.), best known for her pitching, appeared at first base in the 5-1 victory over Japan, the 2010 ISF Women’s World Championship silver medalists.
Following the game, Finch left her cleats at home plate, with her husband Casey Daigle and son Ace by her side. Finch has been a member of the Women’s National Team for 10 years, helping the Red, White and Blue to an Olympic Gold Medal in 2004 and Silver Medal in 2008.
“I have had a career that has far surpassed anything that I could have ever imagined. Just thinking about everything that has happened, all I can say is ‘Wow.’ I’m incredibly blessed to have had all of these opportunities,” said Finch, a three-time ISF Women’s World Champion. “I am sad that this was the last time I’ll wear this uniform, something that means so much to me, but I’m so happy for the chance to wear it. I’m so happy that I could do what I love with these amazing women, who are not only my teammates but my best friends, and am so thankful for how they have touched my life. I’m not sure what comes next for me. I just know that softball will always be a part of my life.”
Natasha Watley (Irvine, Calif.), who had all of the team wear Finch’s signature glitter headband with the slogan “Dream and Believe” on the band, was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3, scoring two runs and driving in one other to help Team USA to a fifth consecutive victory over Japan this season.
Team USA starter Monica Abbott (Salinas, Calif.) threw a complete game, allowing one run on four hits. Abbott struck out 10, moving her World Cup record total to 35.
“I don’t think Jennie will ever not be the face of softball,” Abbott said. “She carries it so well and she’s done more. I think that even though she’s retiring her on field skills, the limits are boundless for her. We should all expect the best from her. I think her impact on the game is going to jump up a level from here. Obviously, USA Softball wise, we’re going to need some people step up and hopefully some good young guns. Eileen Canney did a great job this week. It’s always fun to see that. Hopefully Cat (Osterman) will get healthy. I think it’s all up for grabs. Everyone is going to go out there and do the best that they can.”
AFTER THE CEREMONY: notes by Rayburn Hesse
After Team USA accepted the KFC World Cup trophy, and the very moving tributes to Jennie, she joined three reporters for her last USA press conference. I listened as Jennie gave her comments on the game, her career, her future life, then she turned to me for a final question.
After 15 years of watching Jennie grow as a player, as a woman, as an icon for our sport – the countless tournaments as a Cruiser, a Batbuster, a Wildcat, a Bandit and Olympian, and interviews on three continents – I had no more questions to ask.
I had already reported on what lay ahead – the final tournament with the Bandits, her plans for clinics – and at other times, I had written about her family, all of whom I have come to know – Doug and Beverly, her grandmother, her brothers, and especially Casey and Ace – not least her plans to spend time in their fabulous house in Tucson, where they have managed to stay about two weeks a year.
As Mike Candrea said to people on the infield,” it takes a really emotional moment to make Rayburn dewy-eyed” – and that moment came when Casey walked on the field. I had spotted him after he arrived – a long drive from Round Rock, Texas, to Oklahoma City, after getting permission from his ball club to leave – and, clutching a bouquet, Casey said Jennie had been told he might not make it to the ceremony. The look on her face when she finally saw him was priceless – and emotional for everyone.
Interesting guy; content to hang back throughout the whole ceremony – it was Jennie’s night. He hasn’t been around as much as either would want, and the softball people who know him realize how much these two mean to each other. Casey is a fun-loving outdoorsman – hunting, fishing are big tickets to Casey. I remember once going to their house in Tucson; Casey greeted me at the door with the head of a small deer he had shot on the property. Good conversationalist; unlike many athletes, he doesn’t only draw focus to his sport but to life in general, although he has strong opinions about the Olympics, NCAA, recruiting, the politics of baseball and softball. After we had spent several minutes talking, a friend asked me what we were discussing so intently. I plan to go to Sulphur LA for the NPF Championship. Casey gave quite a description of a favorite café, the Boiling Pot, then explained in detail how crawfish should be prepared. He delighted in the telling.
I have fond memories of their wedding, where they personally made everyone feel welcome. They joy was infectious.
Thoughtful observers listen as ASA-types predict another big star will emerge – and hope we can continue to have Jennie as the icon for our sport for years to come. I accompanied her to the US Senate four years ago where she testified on women-in-sports issues. Although other famous athletes were there, Jennie charmed the Committee – she was radiant – and six months pregnant.
Of all the qualities which make a star – athletic excellence, personality, charm and in Jennie’s case beauty – Jennie had something you can’t teach – presence. With the same ease that she charmed United States Senators, Jennie could be just as gracious, as kind, as approachable, to all the 8-year old Jennie wannabes.
Jennie also has great poise – in victory and defeat. She told me this week that her most profound memory of Hall of Fame stadium is of winning the Women’s College World Series in 2001. It was an exuberant Jennie who answered our questions down in the press room. But, I also remember the 2002 WCWS when Jennie and her team saw their lead slip away, and Jennie could not fashion a final out to preserve a Wildcat victory. This time, after losing to Cal, Jennie came down to the press room, head held high, holding back any negative emotion, stoic in defeat, yet you knew this very sensitive girl was hurting deep inside. The questions about her performance were punishing but Jennie stayed on message. I remember another occasion when it would have been so easy for Jennie to feel sorry for herself – the finals of a Gold tournament. Jennie had been scheduled to pitch the final game, but the Batbusters needed her in the semi-final; Jennie pitched and split a finger. So, she was on the sidelines for the championship, cheering for her team, and not expressing any sorrow for her plight – a game she might have won.
I have a favorite tournament program from a 14U Nationals, which contained group photos of each team. Two players – Jennie and Brittney Sneed – were so much taller than their teammates. I also have a photo of a rather chubby Jennie in early junior high school, demonstrating the Finch Windmill.
SPY has allowed me to watch numerous players from their highschool and travel ball days through college to Olympic and national team status – I recall the current Olympians on the 2010 national team — in college and at the Olympics, but also when they played travel ball and showed the promise of greatness: Cat Osterman’s two Gold championships, Monica Abbott on the day she gained instant fame shutting out the powerful Gordon’s Panthers, Natasha Watley who had that same silky smoothness at short as a youngster, Jessica Mendoza battering fences in every travel ball meet, Caitlin Lowe with her jaw-dropping speed, Keira Goerl, under-appreciated her whole career but she won two World Series, Lauren Lappin who played every position for the Cruisers, super infielders Andrea Duran and Vicky Galindo, and so many more who have made these 15 years such a pleasure. I knew the players who were college and Olympic stars when this group burst on the national scene, and I know many of the players and future stars who are already filling out the ranks of college and national teams. The depth of our ever replenishing talent pool is endless.
Throughout it all, there was Jennie – a star whom I am proud to call my friend – a universally admired representative of our sport with whom we all will hopefully continue to associate.
RFH
Final List: ESPN Rise Premier Tournament
Highschool Division
Louisiana Voodoo Jeffrey Burns
American Pastime Gold Dewaine Smiley
Arizona Hotshots Gold Blaize Gatti
AZ KILLER BEES MIKE GRIMALDI
Beverly Bandits Gold Bill Conroy
Cal Cruisers Eli Ginnis
California Grapettes Gomes Alberta DeAnda
California Lite Ursula Stewart
California Raiders Katrina Rooney
Carolina Cardinals Rick McHone
Case Batbusters Robert Wenk
Central Cal Dirt Dogs Ralph Herrera
Chaos Gold Jim Hannold
Colorado Stars Gold Kim Carter
Colorado STYXX Diane Boyd
Combat Panthers Bob Surane
Corona Angels (Tyson) Marty Tyson
Corona Angels – Bill Bill Megee
COURAGE Craig Weaver
Explosion Gold Bret Denio
Fury Fastpitch Jeremy Higdon
Georgia Elite Daniel Caldwell
Houston Power Gold (Glowacz) John Glowacz
Houston Power Gold – Krysiak Jim Krysiak
Illinois Chill Gold Gerry Quinn
Indiana Magic Gold 18U Wayne Gibson
Irvine Sting Jennifer Dominguez
Jersey Inferno Gold Maryann Meister
Jersey Intensity KOD Kevin ODonnell
JETS GOLD Holly Pearce
Kansas City Peppers Dan Eakin
Lady Magic Jim Carda
Minors Gold Larry Minor
NC Lady Lightning Gold TEAM MIKEN John Corn
New Jersey Breakers Gold Stephanie Cassell
New Mexico Sundancers Paul Kohman
Northwest Blaze Rob Ray
NW Bullets – Gold Dennis Muir
OC Batbusters Gary Haning
Richmond Diamonds Darryn Vinson
San Diego Renegades Mike Wynns
Scorpions Gold Chuck Christensen
Shamrocks Tommy Orndorff
So Cal Athletics Bruce Richardson
SO CAL CHOPPERS GARY FAUSETT
So Cal Firecrackers Gold Brad Wakeman
So Cal Pumas Gary Keohohou
SoCal Breakers Brant Beddow
Sorcerer-Blue Bill Sparrey
Sorcerer-Phil Bill Sparrey
Strike Zone Don Ford
Team Hawaii Gold Mark Glushenko
TeamSmith 18 Gold Lynn OLeary
Texas Eclipse Gold Ken Glass
Texas Glory Kevin Shelton
Texas Impact Gold Jonathan Lampl
Texas Magic Gold Rabitt Blake
Texas Storm Gold Larry Durham
The Next Level 18 gold Jerry Delamater
Triple Crown Stars David King
Tx Sudden Impact Gold Jesse Beltran
Valley Breeze Steve Ferri
Victory USA Gold Paul Garziano
Virginia Legends Gold Barry Paul
WA Lake Breeze Gold Margo Leiter
Washington Ladyhawks Gold Miller Wayne Miller
Wichita Mustangs Seth Misunas
Worth Firecrackers Don Minard
16U Division
American Athletics 16U -Rizzo Vicky Blanco
American Freedom Mcclasky Courtney Mcclasky
Arizona Hotshots 16U – Gatti Blaize Gatti
Arizona Storm Richard Beach
Az Hotshots-householder Keith Householder
CA Cruisers Lyn Christensen
Central California Dirt Dogs Richard Pontecorvo
CO Stars Dan Burns
Corona Angels Peter Vecvanags
Corona Angels (Howard) Kim Howard
Irvine Sting Jim Knapp
Lakewood Firecrackers Bill West
Lakewood Ladies Erlinda Stavrou
Minors Gold Lena Lovelace
Mizuno All American-Abelia Sam Kloczko
Mizuno All-American (Bright) Angie Bright
MIZUNO PRIDE DAVE ROSS
Nightmare Dave Wheeler
Nor Cal Outlaws Steve Williams
NW Bullets – 16A Dennis Muir
O.C. Batbusters Jesse Martinson
OC BATBUSTERS McNee Janelle Stanley
Oregon Slammer Steve Santos
Platinum Desiree Williams
R&R Gold – Paulie Tina Gonzalez
San Diego Power Surge Scott Berndes
San Diego Renegades-Margulies Daniel Margulies
San Jose Lady Sharks Lisa Yee
San Jose Sting Brian Newman
So Cal 3D Mike Klepfer
So Cal Athletics Mike Smith
So Cal Choppers Kim Wuest
So Cal Hurricanes Fullerton Mitch La Riva
So Cal Hurricanes La Riva Mitch La Riva
So Cal Pumas Oli Keohohou
Team Demarini Jim Stump
Team Long Island Karen Schmit
Texas Elite (Floyd) Ellen Alexander
Texas Fusion 16U Jason Gwyn
Texas Glory – Naudin Grecha Stephens
Texas LITE Anthony Herrera
Texas Storm Elite Greg Raley
The Next Level 16u Jerry Delamater
Tropic Wave Mike Morgan
USA Athletics Mora Todd Joyce
Victory USA 16U Scott Swearingen
Washington Ladyhawks Steve Gildea
Washington Sidewinders Douglas Greenup
JULY 28 2010 UPDATE
DANIELLE LAWRIE JOINS PRIDE
Kissimmee, Fla. – Danielle Lawrie is perhaps one of the most decorated pitchers in the country, or better yet, the world. A recent graduate of the University of Washington, where she was the school’s first Canadian born player, Lawrie led the Huskies to the 2009 Women’s College World Series Title and won back-to-back NCAA Player of the Year awards in 2009 and 2010, being the only Canadian athlete to do so. She has made a name for herself on an international level, playing for the Canadian National Team in various capacities for the past six years. Now, Lawrie hopes to add another title to her belt as she joins the National Professional Fastpitch League to play with the USSSA Florida Pride as a member of their 2010 roster.
Lawrie will be joining the ranks of fellow Olympians Andrea Duran, Kelly Kretschman, Lauren Lappin, Caitlin Lowe, Jessica Mendoza, and Natasha Watley and will come on to a pitching staff that boasts Olympic gold and silver medalist Cat Osterman, NPF all-time win leader Sarah Pauly, and NPF single season win leader Desiree Serrano.
Prior to graduation in 2010, Lawrie racked up a significant number of accolades in her time as a Husky. Beyond those aforementioned, Lawrie was named the 2009 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, and was recognized as a Honda Award Winner, an ESPY nominee, and the 2009 WCWS Most Outstanding Player. Lawrie currently holds Washington career records in wins, strikeouts, shutouts, appearances, starts, complete games and innings. She is second all-time in Pac-10 career strikeouts and sixth in NCAA history and holds the Pac-10 records for most Player of the Week honors in a career and season.
As a member of the Canadian National Team, Lawrie represented Canada in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China where she made three appearances and pitched twelve innings. In her first Olympic appearance, she led Canada to a 9-2 victory over the Netherlands, striking out four in four innings of work and allowing just one run on two hits.
Lawrie is set to join the USSSA Florida Pride at the end of July when they take on the Chicago Bandits in a five game series at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The series is set to take place from July 29 – Aug. 1, with the opening game slated to begin at 7:05 pm.
(The Pride press release did not mention that Osterman suffered a partial terror in a biceps tendon and could not pitch during the KFC World Cup. Cat told SPY she may not be able to pitch the remainder of the year, including the NPF championship.)
NATIONAL PRO FASTPITCH
Racers Set To Kick-Off Homestand against Diamonds
Five-Game Set For July 29-August 1
AKRON, Ohio (July 28, 2010) – The Akron Racers will look to make a push in the National Pro Fastpitch standings with the second-to-last homestand of the season, starting tomorrow (Thursday, July 29 at 7:05 p.m.) when the Tennessee Diamonds come to town for a five-game. In addition to Thursday’s meeting, the squads will face off on Friday at 7:05 pm before a 7:35 p.m. contest Saturday. The five-game slate ends with Sunday’s doubleheader scheduled to start at 2:05 p.m.
The Racers enter the series with a 17-14 record overall and are currently third in the National Pro Fastpitch standings. The Racers took two out of three games against the first place Chicago Bandits. On the verge of being swept, the Bandits strung together a six-run sixth inning to avoid the brooms and take the series finale, 8-6.
Lead off hitter Lisa Modglin (.260, 26 hits, 14 RBI) is swinging a hot stick and currently leads the team with 26 hits while Crystl Bustos (.333, 20 hits, nine RBI) leads the team in on-base percentage (.479) and batting average (.333). Samantha Ricketts (.238, 20 hits, 16 RBI) paces the squad with 16 runs driven in and four home runs. As a team the Racers are batting .239 with 203 hits and 100 RBI.
In the circle, Lisa Norris (10-3) became the first NPF pitcher this season to reach 10 wins, with a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Bandits. She ranks second in the league with 82 strikeouts and third with a 1.88 earned run average. Jamee Jaurez (5-7) has thrown some impressive innings for Akron, amassing 68 strikeouts, limiting opposition to a .209 batting average, fifth-best in the league.
The Tennessee Diamonds (8-23) record might suggest they’re a bit rough around the edges but don’t be fooled, this team’s awash with talent. With USA National team standout and Olympic silver medalist Monica Abbott in the circle, the Diamonds have already handed the Racers two losses this season, one of them a 1-0 extra-inning heartbreaker.
Offensively pitcher and power hitter Megan Gibson (.289, 22 hits, nine RBI) leads the team with 22 hits, five homers and is also second on the team with three wins. Jenna Rhodes (.263, 21 hits, two RBI) is tied for the lead with five stolen bases and ranks third with seven walks on the 2010 campaign. NPF veteran Chelsea Spencer (.207, 19 hits, 11 RBI) paces the club with 11 runs batted in and is second with four homers and as many stolen bases this year. The team enters the series with a .211 batting average, including 164 hits and 63 RBI.
Pitching-wise, Abbott (5-4) is the go-to on the staff though Gibson (3-7) and Kristin Erb (0-6) have handled their fair share of duties in the Olympian’s absence. Abbott leads not only the team, but also the league with an impressive 100 strikeouts in nine complete games and 70 innings pitched to go along with her team and league-low 0.50 ERA. The Tennessee staff itself enters the five-game stretch with a 3.06 ERA having given up 147 runs on 224 hits.
BANDITS COME-BACK WIN OVER RACERS
Bandits Evade Sweep with 8-6 Victory in Series Finale
Chicago Mounts Six-Run Comeback To Win
AKRON, Ohio (July 26, 2010) – The Bandits’ ability to hit the long ball helped them evade a series sweep as they overcame five errors in the field and a four-run deficit to defeat the Racers, 8-6 at Firestone Stadium tonight. The back-and-forth slugfest, which featured a combined five home runs eventually culminated with a six-run Bandit sixth inning which the Racers were unable to recover from.
The win improves the first place Bandits to 20-12, building their league lead back to two games while the Racers fall to 17-14 and slide into third place.
Nikki Nemitz (4-2) registered the win from the bullpen in two innings of work, surrendering just one unearned run on a hit, striking out one Racer while Kristina Thorson earned her second save of the year in two scoreless innings. Jamee Juarez (5-7) was saddled with the tough-luck loss in seven complete, giving up eight runs (five earned) on nine hits, she also struck out three.
For the second time this series, the Bandits’ lead off batter in Stacy May put the visitors in front on a solo home run—her league-leading 10th shot but poor defensive play from her team, squandered the early advantage. In the bottom of the first, Lisa Modglin reached second on a May throwing error before scoring on a Jess Valis single and Emily Friedman fielding error as the second baseman failed to hang onto May’s quick release. The ensuing play saw Samantha Ricketts single to right but Angela Findlay misplayed the ball and enabled Valis to score from third, giving the Racers a 2-1 lead.
The Bandit home run power was again on display in the fourth when Angela Findlay crushed her fourth homer of the year on a line shot to right to tie the game but it would again be for naught when the Racers came to bat. Akron managed four runs in the fourth to build a 6-2 lead. Micaela Minner led off with a solo home run to put the Racers back in front before Mackenzie Vandergeest walked and Jackie Pasquerella punched a single into center. Nemitz, on in relief of starter Jessica Sallinger, got the next batter to strikeout before May’s second error of the contest let Valis reach first while pinch runner Clare Burnum scored. A wild pitch scored Pasquerella and Crsytl Bustos’ RBI single to left drove in Akron’s fourth run.
A pair of Racer errors extended the sixth inning for the Bandits, paving the way for a six-run inning to erase Akron’s two-run lead. Nemitz singled and Friedman reached on a fielder’s choice before Chicago slugger Rachel Mitchell clubbed a two-out two-run homer to bring the Bandits within two. Errors on Valis and Montalvo allowed May and Amber Patton to reach base before Bandit powerhouse Rachel Folden cleared the bases on a homer to left field, putting the Bandits ahead, 8-6.
Thorson came in and closed the door across the final frames without allowing a hit. Akron’s only baserunners came in the sixth on a Bandit error and fielder’s choice in the sixth.
Bandits Golf Classic & Harley Prize
The 2010 Harley-Davidson Rocker FXCWC will be the prize if a lucky golfer can sink a hole-in-one on the 11th hole at the Bandits Golf Classic
ELGIN – The Chicago Bandits have announced that a 2010 Harley-Davidson Rocker FXCWC (pictured) will be up for grabs at the August 17 Chicago Bandits’ Golf Classic.
The motorcycle, priced at a retail value of $19,844, will be offered as a prize for anyone that can sink a hole-in-one on the 11th hole at the Marengo Ridge Golf Club, the site for the Chicago Bandits Golf Classic.
“I’m extremely thrilled that [Harley-Davidson] wants to be a part of our golf outing,” said Hannah Michal, the director of partnerships, marketing & promotions for the Chicago Bandits. “I know that females are a growing market for them, so it’s great to partner with them and help both avenues.”
The Harley-Davidson is just one of a plethora of prizes, including a Paul Konerko autographed bat, premier tickets to the Chicago Wolves among other teams, and a new set of Warrior Custom Golf wedges, being featured at the Classic.
Chicago Bandits’ general manager, Aaron Moore, hopes that this new addition to an already great stock of prizes will attract more fans to the outing.
2010 Elite NFCA College Showcase
| Order of Finish | |
| 1 | OK Jitterbugs Gold |
| 2 | OK Original Ultimate Gold |
| 3 | Texas Stix Gold |
| 3 | Texas Glory Hart |
| 4 | American Freedom Gold Soefje |
| 4 | Texas Elite Kuss |
| 4 | Dallas Mustangs |
| 4 | Kansas Blue Ice |
| 5 | Texas Elite Gold Bancroft |
| 5 | Texas Fury Wyatt |
| 5 | Bad Attitude |
| 5 | Corpus Christi Panthers |
| 5 | Kansas Wichita Wave |
| 5 | Lady Stros Gold |
| 5 | Texas Glory Combs |
| 5 | American Liberty Kruzers |
| 6 | KS Diamond Devils |
| 6 | Lindale Heat |
| 6 | OK Exclusive Gold |
| 6 | Virginia Rowdies Gold |
| 6 | Arkansas Lady Titans |
| 6 | Mystixx Gold |
| 6 | McKinney Fireballs |
| 6 | American Freedom McClasky |
Winner vs Loser & Score
Am. Freedom Gold vs LV Blast 6-2
TX Elite Easton Gold Bell vs Athletics 3-0
Am. Freedom Gold vs Tx Elite Easton Gold Bell 3-0
Bad Attitude Gold vs Lethal Weapon Gold 3-2
TX Elite Easton Gold Bell vs LV Blast 4-3
Lethal Weapon Gold vs Athletics 3-3
Athletics vs Am. Freedom Gold 3-3
TX Elite Easton Gold Bell vs Lethal Weapon Gold 5-2
Am. Freedom Gold vs Lethal Weapon Gold 1-0
Bad Attitude Gold vs Athletics 5-0
Athletics vs LV Blast 4-0
TX Elite Easton Gold Bell vs Bad Attitude Gold 3-3
LV Blast Gold vs Lethal Weapon Gold 2-2
Am. Freedom Gold vs Bad Attitude Gold 7-1
LV Blast Gold vs Bad Attitude Gold 4-1
LA United Gold vs VA Rodies Gold 2-1
TX Elite Easton Gold Bancroft vs FW Batbusters Gold 2-0
FW Batbusters Gold Card vs VA Rowdies Gold 8-4
TX Stix Gold vs Alvin No Fear Gold 7-5
FW Batbusters Gold vs LA United Gold 7-3
TX Elite Easton Gold Bancroft vs Alvin No Fear Gold 4-3
VA Rowdies Gold vs TX Elite Easton Gold Bancroft 1-1
FW Batbusters Gold vs Alvin No Fear Gold 8-1
Alvin No Fear Gold vs VA Rowdies Gold 6-2
TX Stix Gold vs TX Elite Easton Gold Bancroft 2-1
TX Elite Easton Gold Bancroft vs LA United 3-1
TX Stix Gold vs FW Batbusters Gold 6-2
Alvin No Fear Gold vs LA Unied Gold 7-3
VA Rowdies Gold vs TX Stix Gold 5-4
TX Stix Gold vs LA United Gold 6-2
UNSIGNED SENIORS & COMMITMENTS
OC Hawks 18 Gold unsigned seniors! nrprice@verizon.net
Carissa Price 2011 SS/OF Redlands East Valley HS ACT 22 SAT 1620 GPA 3.16. Major biology
Katie Sutherland 2011 OF Los Alamitos HS 3.2 Honors program. Major Teacher Education
Melinda Robertson 2011 Pitcher/SS San Fernando High School. SAT 1475 GPA 3.3
Jazzmin Jones 2011 OF/Catcher Mojave HS. GPA 3.0. Major Medical
Sarah Little 2011 of Villa Park High School has committed to play at Elon Phoenix next year. Sarah has played in the OC Hawks organization for the last years. Sarah leads her school and travel ball team in batting average and home runs.
FALL MIDWEST SHOWCASE
The Mid-West Fall Signature Showcase will be held for the 2nd year this October 1-3 in Columbus Ohio. teams from Ohio, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Indiana entered. www.signatureshowcases.com
FICO LEADS BRAKETTES
By Jim Fuller, Register Staff
jfuller@newhavenregister.com
STRATFORD — During the 33 seasons John Stratton has been affiliated with the Brakettes softball dynasty, he has been entrusted with the development of some of the best pitchers ever to step inside the circle.
Stratton can count former Olympians Lisa Fernandez, Lori Harrigan and Danielle Henderson and Hall of Famers Barbara Reinalda and Kathy Arendsen among his former pupils, but it is the legendary Joan Joyce whom Stratton views as the gold standard.
As a Stratford native, Stratton was on hand for many of Joyce’s most glorious achievements with the Brakettes and more recently had a successful stint as a pitching coach on Joyce’s staff at Florida Atlantic University. Rarely does he ever mention Joyce when discussing his latest prodigies. So when he gave 19-year-old Oxford native Rachele Fico the greatest compliment of her young life, his words carry a hefty wallop.
“She reminds me of Joan Joyce,” Stratton said of his current ace pitcher on a Brakettes team which went into the weekend on a 42-game winning streak. “The fact that the other day she threw a perfect game and I said, ‘Here’s the game ball.’ She said, ‘Ah, I don’t keep those.’ Joan Joyce never kept those things, no-hitters and trophies.
“She takes this game real serious. She is a super student on the mound. She is kind of cool, calm and collected out there. She doesn’t get rattled, and she is very honest with herself. When she blows a pitch, she blows a pitch, and she is going to be the first to admit it.
“She is not a head case, like a lot of pitchers, and everything I show her, she takes it right in. She understands it, and she can teach everybody else the same thing. I’ll guarantee you, in the next (three) years, she is going to win a national title. If they get some hitters down at LSU, they will win a national title, because she is tough.”
Fico burst into prominence at the 2005 Amateur Softball Association Major National Fast Pitch Tournament when as a 14-year-old about a month from enrolling as a freshman at Masuk High, she pitched the Stratford Breakers to a surprising fifth-place finish.
Opposing batters probably wished that Fico was spending the summer at LSU.
Heading into the weekend, Fico was undefeated (24-0) with an 0.38 ERA and 227 strikeouts in 148 innings, even though she spent much of the summer learning to throw a riseball, changeup and slow curveball as she continuously looks to improve.
With the Brakettes having lost talented collegiate pitchers Sara Plourde and Whitney Canion to hip and arm injuries, respectively, Fico has been asked to shoulder the pitching load in her first full season with the Brakettes.
Fico will get some assistance at the Women’s Major Softball National Championship, which starts Thursday at Frank Biondi Field in West Haven, when pitchers Donna Bourgeois and Erin Gallagher rejoin the squad, but Fico figures to see plenty of action in the four-day tournament.
Having a team rely on her gifted right arm is nothing new for Fico. She graduated from Masuk in 2009 as one of the most heralded Connecticut high school female athletes in history. She set national records with 26 perfect games and 10 consecutive no-hitters and ranked in the top three in the national record book with 47 no-hitters, 95 shutouts and 26 consecutive strikeouts. Her final numbers were a staggering 105-3 record, 0.07 ERA and 1,884 strikeouts in 775 innings in leading Masuk to a pair of state titles.
MISCELLANEOUS
At Natasha Watley’s suggestion, each member of Team USA wore one of Jennie Finch’s trademark head bands during the KFC World Cup. Online Sports sells them. www.ondecksports.com
A new photo album has been posted on the Maddogs Fastpitch Softball website.
To see the new photos, follow the link below and look in the Albums page:
http://www.eteamz.com/OHIOmaddogsoftball/index.cfm?subsite=5037935
KFC WORLD CUP DAY 5
July 26 2010, Hall of Fame Stadium
Noon Team USA vs USA Futures
4pm #3 vas #4
8pm Championship #1 vs #2
Team USA has clinched the #1 berth
TEAM USA 3, USA FUTURES 0
WP Jennie Finch vs LP Angela Tinche
Each has a 1-0 record.
Futures 1st: Alternating her pitches between 50mph and 68mph, Finch struck out, Chavanne, Boyd but Langenfeld walked. Leles, like Finch, one of five Arizona Wildcats in the game, whiffed on a 66mph offering.
USA 1st: Watley put out at 1st. Bramlett flied out to left. Mendoza skied high to left.
Futures 2nd: Wright struck out. Johnson worked a 3-2 count, fouled out to Galindo at 3rd. Williams, the rising Huskies junior, flied out to Watley at short.
USA 2nd: Cochran squared to bunt, flied to right. Finch, hitting .333 in the Cup, lined out hard to Schutzler in center. Haber singled up the middle, first hit of the game. Haber stole 2nd. Galindo laced an rbi double to right center, Haber scoring. Hansen lined out to Lastrspes in left. USA 1-0.
Futures 3rd: Schutzler whiffed. Lastrapes hit a sinking liner to center which Haber caught diving. Chavanne fanned on a 65mph pitch, Finch’s 6th.
USA 3rd: Williams ground out to Boyd at 2nd. At 3-2, Watley dropped a bloop single in front of 2nd. Bramlett forced Watley. Bramlett stole 2nd. Mendoza jacked a 2-run homer to left center. Cochran flied out to center. USA 3-0.
Futures 4th: Boyd popped high to Finch. Langenfeld, thre WCWS MVP, took a third strike. Leles ground to 3rd.
USA 4th: Finch took a third strike, the first K for Tincher. Haber popped to the catcher. Galindo flied out to left.
Futures 5th: Wright nailed the first hit off Finch, a hard single to right. Duran now at 1st, Wiliams at short. Johnson laid down a perfect 1-3 sacrifice, moving the runner to 3rd. Nikki Williams looked at a third strike, the eighth for Finch. Schutzler laid down a perfect three-foot bunt but quick USA reaction held the runner at 3rd. Lastrapes looked at a 65mph drop.
USA 5th: Hansen flied out. Tammy Williams flied to Boyd behind 2nd. Duran, Bramlett and Mendoza loaded the bases for Cochran who struck out.
Futures 6th: Chavanne ground out to 2nd. Pinch hitter Iwata out ran an infield hit to 2nd, despite a good stop by Hansen. Langenfeld became #10 for Finch. Leles stretched the K string to 11.
USA 6th: Finch hit back to Tincher, so did Haber, as Tincher continues to impress defending her position (strong throws). Galindo ground out.
Futures 7th: Quite possibly the last inning Jennie will pitch in this stadium. Wright flied out to left. Johnson flied out to right. Williams worked 3-2 then struck out. Finch had hurled a 3-hit shutout, with 13 Ks.
Now, the Futures will play Canada at 4pm, and the USA will face Japan at 8pm in the Championhip game.
Game Notes
Finch has pitched and played so many games in Hall of Fame Stadium – college and national teams – so I asked which game stands out most in her memory – the 2001 Women’s College World Series, which she won for Arizona as a junior. Jennie said she was holding back on some of her thoughts about this being the last game she might pitch here, since there will be a ceremony honoring her after the Championship game. She didn’t focus during the game on it being a last pitching opportunity; “I just concentrated on getting that last out.” More, she said “our job is not yet done; this team has one more game to play” which she hopes will showcase other players.
Coach Miller took the same approach to reportera’ questions: we have a game to play.
Tincher said she thought she got stronger as the game progressed. “The national team is always tough; they’re the best in the world. Jess is a great hitter, and I put too much of the ball over the plate.”
Consolation Game
#3 USA FUTURES 9, #4 TEAM CANADA 3
Jordan Taylor vs Danielle Lawrie
Futures players looked forward to this game; in their previous match, Canada won in the 7th 5-4 after Futures had led 4-0.
USA 1st: A much revised lineup. Chavanne, Lastrapes and Johnson went down in order.
Canada 1: Matthews opened with a single to center, but Leven, Yee, Lawrick and Salling could not bring home a score.
USA 2nd: Arioto struck out. Langenfeld walked. Schutzler slapped a single up the middle. Leles fouled out to 3rd. Runners advanced on passed ball. Purcell-Fitu walked, loading the bases. Boyd drew an rbi walk, Futures 1-0. Chavanne struck out, stranding three runners.
Canada 2nd: Rafter out. Cumpstone fanned. Russell ground out to Johnson at short. Taylor’s mix was serving her well, especially her 54mph changeup.
USA 3rd: Lastrapes ground 4-3. Johnson flied out to left. Arioto fanned.
Canada 3rd: Lye struck out. Matthews was hit by a 64mph screwball. Lever couldn’t connect. Yee hit into a snappy Boyd-Johnson 4-6 fielder’s choice. Matthews scored on a passed ball, tying the game 1-1. Lawrick popped to Boyd at 2nd.
USA 4th: Langenfeld and Schutzler looked at 3rd strikes. Leles slugged a double to the center field fence. Purcell-Fitu popped to 1st.
Canada 4th: Salling flied high and deep to Chavanne in right field. Rafter struck out. Cumpstone ground to short.
USA 5th: Boyd ground to 2nd. Chavanne popped to short. Lastrapes singled up the middle. On a count of 2-2 to Johnson, Lastrapes stole 2nd, Johnson ground to 2nd.
Canada 5th: Russell hit hard back to Taylor. Lye bunted, out 5-3 on good throw by Leles. Matthews ground to 2nd.
USA 6th: Arrioto, who had struck out twice, led, with a prodigious home run to straight-away left field. Langenfeld doubled to left center, the fifth USA hit. Reid in to run. Schutzler was put out at 1st. Leles, who doubled last time, singled to left, rbi. Canada pulled Lawrie, the 2009 and 2010 player of the year in the US while playing for the Washington Huskies, had pitched to half of the Futures lineup in Pac 10 games. Now Jenna Caira relieved. Purcell-Fitu greeted her with a single to right past Lawrick. Pinch hitter Iwata fanned. Top of the order, Chavanne grouknd to short but Salling muffed the play, bases loaded. Lastrapes lined out to Matthews in left.
Canada 6th: The come-back game of the weekend still a fresh memory, for both teams, Canada led with Lever, a .294 hitter in the Cup, who dropped a single over Leles at 3rd. Hearts fluttered when Taylor fell to the ground, seemingly twisting an ankle, but the Michigan stalwart stood and resumed pitching. Yee singled to right. Lawrick sacrificed. Runners at 2nd and 3rd, one out. Salling, a .357 hitter, grounded to Boyd, but a run scored. With the tying run on 3rd, Rafter, hitting only .111 in the Cup — Passed ball, and the speedy Yee scored the tying run, 333. – Rafter struck out.
USA 7th: Johnson’s grounder eluded Yee, the second Canadian error. Arioto was walked. Langenfeld, whose home runs propelled her to the MVP of this year’s College World Series, flied out to left. Schutzler beat out an infield bunt, loading the bases. Leles singled to center, driving in two runs. Purcell-Fitu walked, reloading the bags. Ashley Lanz relieved for Canada. Boyd hit back to the pitcher, for a force at home. Chavanne singled to left, rbi. Lastrapes, the ninth batter of the inning, walked, rbi. Back to Johnson, who started the run parsade. Johnson singled to left, driving in two runs. Arioto struck out. USA 9-3 on 11 hits.
Canada 7th: Cumpstone ground out. Russell fanned. Lye stroked a dying liner to Johnson to end the game.
USA Futures end the tournament #3 with a 3-3 record, and most satisfying win.
KFC WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
This game will mark the final appearance of Jennie Finch in a USA national team uniform, and her last game in Hall of Fame stadium. A ceremony will be held after this game to celebrate Jennie’s years of excellence in behalf of the USA. Her formal retirement from Softball comes after her final game with the Chicago Bandits in August at the NPF Championships.
Team USA 5, Japan 1
WP Monica Abbott vs LP Makiko Fujiwara
Japan 1st: Kawano 4-3. Matsumoto singled. Yamada forced her at 2nd. Mabuchi fanned.
USA 1st: Watley singled, advanced on Lowe’s sacrifice, scored on Mendoza’s deep single. Cochran walked. With the crowd roaring, Finch stepped to the plate, but looked at a third strike. Two down, Duran also took a third strike. USA 1-0.
Japan 2nd: Sakamoto hit to Duran at 3rd who gunned the long throw to Finch at 1st. Oyanagi flied to Charters at 2nd. Tanigawa struck out.
USA 2nd: Haber hit back to the pitcher. Charters singled to right. Lappin at bat, Charters was caught stealing 2nd. Lappin hbp. Watley singled to center. Lowe, who had some great moments in this stadium for Arizona, tripled down the right field line, driving in two runs, 3-0. YomoYasufuku relieved Fujiwara. Mendoza struck out.
Japan 3rd: With one out (Karino), Mizoe walked. Kawano grounded into a 4-6 force. Matsumoto singled up the middle, the speedy Kawano racing to 3rd. Yamada singled to right, driving in Kawano. Mabuchi struck out.
USA 3rd: Cochran took 1st on an illegal pitch. Finch flied ro right. Duran reached on an error at 1st, the ball rolling away, Cochran scoring. 4-1. Haber hit into a 6-4 fielder’s choice. Charters struck out.
Japan 4th: Sakamoto was out 6-3, Watley racing behind 2nd and throwing to a stretching Finch; helps to have a 6’2” first baseman. Oyanagi hit to Abbott. Tanigawa ground out.
USA 4th: Lappin bunted, our 1-3. Watley outran an infield hit to short. Watley stole 2nd. Lowe down 6-3; Matsumoto a very sure handed shortstop. Mendoza out 6-3.
Japan 5th: Clocking 72 mph, Abbott struck out Karino and Mizoe, but Kawano slashed a double to center, the fourth Japan hit. Matsumoto flied high to Charters at 2nd.
USA 5th: Cochran singled to center. Finch hit two long fouls then ground into a fielder’s choice. Bramlett in to run. Duran lined out to left. Haber flied out to center.
Japan 6th: Yamada hit back to Abbott. Mabuchi struck out for the third time. Sakamoto struck out.
USA 6th: Charters singled to left. Lappin laid down a sac bunt. Watley,with Charters on 3rd (passed ball) hit a sac fly to left, 5-1. Lowe out 4-3.
Japan 7th: Oyanagi was put out by Finch. Tanigawa looked at a third strike. The USA relieved Jennie Finch – to a standing ovation by the capacity crowd – Finch hugged Abbott and walked off – for the last time. Karino flied out to Lowe, ending the game.
The celebration was truly joyous, both teams participating, the moment crowned with the presentation of the World Cup to Team USA. A special presentation honoring Jennie Finch with video-taped messages from each of her team-mates followed — capped by the surprise appearance of husband Casey Daigle.
SPY took dozens of pictures during the tournament and will post them Wednesday on Picasa.
end
KFC WORLD CUP DAY 4
July 25 2010 Hall of Fame Stadium OKC
The Sunday Schedule
Noon Japan vs USA Futures
4pm Team USA vs Canada
7pm Team USA vs USA Futures
9pm Japan vs Canada
USA FUTURES vs JAPAN
WP Blaire Luna vs LP Mika Somaya
This game marked the World Cup debut of Luna, the Texas freshman flash.
USA 1st: Chavanne singled to left. Boyd was safe on a fielder’s choice. Arioto ground to short, forcing Chavanne at 3rd. Wright lined into a double play.
Japan 1st: Kawano singled; Karino popped to 1st; super catch by Arioto; Yamada flied to center; Mabuchi flied to left.
USA 2nd: Leles fanned. Johnson ground to short. Purcell-Fitu fanned.
Japan 2nd: With one out, Oyanagi doubled to center. Tanigawa out 5-3. Matsumoto flied out to center.
USA 3rd: Reid popped to 3rd. Lastrapes doubled to left. Chavanne walked; again, the USA has two on. Boyd ground to 1st. Arioto lined out.
Japan 3rd: Mizoe singled. Kawano ground to 3rd. Karino hit into double play.
USA 4th: Wright, Leles and Johnson down in order.
Japan 4th: Yamada singled to left. With one out, Sakamoto and Oyanagi both flied out to shortstop Johnson.
USA 5th: Purcell-Fitu down 1-3. Reid ground out. Lastrapes racked her second hit, a single up the middle. Chavanne at bat, Lastrapes was out stealing 2nd.
Japan 5th: Tanigawa’s hard grounder was snared backhand by Boyd at 2nd, her throw to 1st beat the runner. Matsumoto’s dying liner was snagged in center by Reid, diving to her knees. Mizoe’s comebacker was fielded by Luna, who threw wide to 1st, the first error by the Futures. Mizoe stole 2nd. Kawano, the leadoff hitter, ground to 2nd, another good play by Boyd.
USA 6th: Chavanne, second on Futures at 429, recorded her second single. Boyd, the rising Sun Devil junior, singled past short. Arioto sac bunt to 3rd advanced the runners. Wright, hitting .500 in the tournament with 4 rbi, flied to short left. Leles walked, loading the bases. Johnson, a .300 hitter at KFC, was lifted in favor of Iwata who ground to 3rd but the 1st baseplayer could not make the catch, and Chavanne and Boyd scored. Purcell-Fitu, the BYU rising senior, ground out to 3rd. USA 2-0.
Japan 6th: Kawano singled, her first hit of the Cup. Yamada ground to Johnson at short, forcing Kawano at 2nd. Mabuchi flied out to shortstop Johnson. Sakamoto, the leading Japanese hitter at .375, walked. Oyanagi grounded to short.
USA 7th: Pinch-hitter Lauren Schutzler, the rising Arizona senior, went down. Her Wildcat teammate, Lastrapes, hit off the pitcher’s glove, the 6th hit for USA and third for Lastrapes, batting in the ninth spot. Chavanne beat out an infield hit. Boyd, a .300 hitter, outran a slow roller to 2nd; bases loaded. Arioto, the rising Cal senior, flied to left. Wright, a Washington Huskies sophomore who blasted a big home run last night off Canada, looked at a third strike.
Japan 7th: Tanigawa reached on Johnson’s fielding error at short. Matsumoto laced a single past short. The tying runs were on base, no out. Jordan Taylor relieved Luna. Mizoe grounded to 3rd, excellent running play by Leles. Kawano out on a grounder to short. Karino, hitless in the Cup, was safe on a single to short, Tanigawa scoring. The Japanese speed was impressive. Yamada, with runners at the corners, ground to 2nd but Karino ran into Boyd, and the game ended on the interference call.
Game notes-
Would the Futures have fared better if their injured creshmen were able to play: Arizona’s ace pitcher Kenzie Fowler and Texas A&M’a slugger Meagan May.
Why didn’t the Futures relieved Nelson in the 7th Saturday night before the game with Canada turned a seeming victory into defeat? Statistically, Japan was a much weaker hitting team than the Futures.
TEAM USA vs CANADA
CANADA 5, TEAM USA 2
LP Eileen Canney vs WP Jenna Caira (a rain delay pushed the start to 4:41pm; another delay after 6pm pushed the game to a 9pm restart.))
Canada 1st: Matthews struck out. Lever flied out to Watley at short. Yee flied out to Mendoza in left field.
USA 1st: Watley whiffed. The speedy Lowe beat out an infield single to short. Mendoza struck out. Cochran, who has 3 home runs, at-bat – Lowe stole 2nd – flied out deep to the right field fence.
Canada 2nd: Canney, hitting 65-68 mph, struck out the side: Lawrick, Salling, Rafter.
USA 2nd: Finch grounded to 3rd. Duran drew the game’s first walk, then stole 2nd. Haber hit back to Caira. Charters nailed her first hit of the tournament, a run-scoring single to right center. Lappin lined out to Yee. USA 1-0.
Canada 3rd: Cumpstone singled to left, Canada’s first hit. Ebert sacrificed. Lye walked. Matthews, hitting .231, lashed a double to the wall in center, driving in two runs – and suddenly the undefeated USA was trailing. Lever doubled to left center, rbi. Yee, who led US collegians in home runs while starring at Georgia Tech, swatted a solo homer. Coach Miller went to the mound but Canney stayed in.while Finch left 1st to warm-up. Lawrick walked. Finch, who holds the Cup record for wins, relieved. Finch walked Salling. Rafter whiffed. Cumpstone grounded to short for a force at 2nd. Canada 5-1.
USA 3rd: Watley grounded to short, Lowe grounded to 3rd, but Mendoza walked. Cochran lobbed a soft hit to Ebert at 3rd – who is having a very good game.
Canada 4th: The contrast between the way Canada is playing this game and the way they played a late night game against Japan is striking – today the Canadians are just as aggressive and fine-tuned as they were listless in that earlier game. Ebert ground out to short, sparkling Watley to Cochran at 1st. Lye hit a soft liner which Cochran backhanded. Matthews, whose 2-run double put Canney’s game on a downhill slope, struck out but advanced on a passed ball. Lever flied out to Cochran at 1st.
USA 4th: Finch took a called third strike. Duran grounded out 5-3. Haber flied deep to the center field fence.
Canada 5th: Yee drew a walk. Lawrick drew a walk – just as the crowd headed for the exits after lightning crashed over the field. Salling was out 5-3 on sharp play by Duran.
Rain Delay at 620pm. Play resumed at 9pm. Rafter struck out, Finch hitting 68mph. Cumpstone grounded to Watley at short, who quickly tagged Lawrick.
USA 5th: Charters beat out a single to 3rd. Lappin struck out; Caira was alternating 38-55-67. Watley forced Charters at 2nd. Lowe hit to short.
Canada 6th: Ebert fanned. Lye ground out. Matthews out 1-3.
USA 6th: Mendoza turned on the burners and beat a bunt single to 1st. Cochran popped to short. Finch looked at a third strike for the second time. Duran was caught looking.
Canada 7th: Lever fouled out to Mendoza in left. Yee’s long ball was caught at the fence by Lowe. Lawrick drew her third walk. Salling took a called third strike.
USA 7th: Team USA now has one last at-bat to keep its World Cup record perfect. Haber, hitting just .250 after her torrid performance in Caracas, hit back to Caira. Charters beat out a slow grounder to 3rd. Pinch hitter Bramlett ground out. Watley dropped an unplayable hit in front of Caira. Lowe slapped an rbi single to left. Charters scoring, 5-2. Caira resumed for Canada, relieving Lawrie. Mendoza was given an intentional pass, loading the bases. Cochran is leading USA hitters with three home runs; Cochran smashed a shot down the right field line, but after two runners were homeward bound, the umpire ruled the ball had hit Mendoza’s foot, automatic out, and end of a game which had suddenly become a contest.
Game Notes:
Because of the rain/lightning delay, tonight’s game between Team USA and USA Futures has been postponed until noon Monday.
Coach Miller said he thought Cochran’s single was a clean hit; the ball had passed the 1st baseman and,while the ball hit Mendoza’s heel, that is not an automatic out if the 2nd baseman had a play on the ball. Miller said the coaches discussed a number of points in the game where the team could improve; he was disappointed that they didn’t move runners when they had opportunities in the 5th and 6th. The rain delay didn’t affect the team, Miller said, noting that Finch “came out firing.” Miller said he could have relieved Canney earlier, but, not knowing there would be a rain delay, the USA had another game to play tonight and he wanted to use Finch in that game, saving Abbott for Monday. Miller said the USA should not have let the bottom of the Canada order build momentum in the 3rd with a single and walk, which set the stage for Matthews’ 2-run double.
Mendoza knew the ball had hit her heel but she didn’t believe it was an out. Reviewing the game with reporters, Mendoza said they had one bad inning (5 runs) and the game got away from them. “That’s the way it happens sometimes,” Mendoza said, “and it’s good every now and then to have the kind of game where everything doesn’t go your way.” She thought it important that the team came back optimistic in the 7th.
Asked what was different in this game, than her previous outing when she notched 14 Ks, Canney said it was a combination of things. Before Canada launched its big inning, Canney had struck out the side. But, like Miller, she said they built momentum with their 7 and 9 batters, and things moved faster (with the top of the order). But, she felt strong and thought she had her stuff. Philosophical in defeat, Canney said players have to learn from such defeats, and learn more from losses than wins. She said there was real optimism in the USA dugout that they would come back in the 7th. Finally, Canney said she wants to play Canada again.
Canney had 4Ks and yielded 4 hits in 2.1 innings, and was charged with five runs. Finch pitched 4.2 innings of no-hit ball, with 5 Ks. Caira gave p 3 hits, Lawrie gave up 5; each was charged with a run.
JAPAN 4, CANADA 0
As this game begins late Sunday, the USA has clinched one of the berths in tomorrow’s 8pm championship game. Three teams have identical 2-3 records – Canada, Japan and USA Futures. The winner of this game will improve to 3-3, but, if the Futures team were to defeat Team USA, Futures would also have a record of 3-3.
With Japan leading 4-0 after six innings, Japan would be the odds-on favorite to meet the USA for the championship. Japan outhit the Canadians 8-3; the Canadians, in sharp contrast to their earlier defeat of Team USA, committed five errors.
Makiko Fujiwara pitched for Japan. Tina Andreana started for Canada, and was relieved by Ashley Lanz.
About 50 people remained in the stadium for this contest which ended after midnight.
