USA Women Routs India At World Cup

JAPAN - Three American pitchers combined on a no-hitter and Keri LeMasters stroked three doubles to lead the U.S. Women’s Baseball National Team to a 27-0 victory over India on Monday at the Women’s Baseball World Cup.

Team USA (2-0) erupted for nine runs in the first on six hits and three defensive miscues by India to take control of the lopsided matchup. LeMasters collected a pair of RBI hits in the inning and Bridget Veenema added a two-run double as the Americans sent 13 batters to the plate.

India’s starting pitcher Avati Kavita surrendered a leadoff single to open the second but sat down the next three batters to silence the potent U.S. offensive attack. But, it was only a mirage as the Americans chased Kavita with seven runs in the third.

The Indian pitcher beaned Alexandra Herbet to begin the inning and Karen Costes followed with a two-run inside the park homer to increase the lead to 11-0. Lillian Jacobson and LeMasters reached on a single and double, respectively, before Donna Mills cracked a two-run triple to right field. Veenema added her second RBi-double of the game and scored later on a passed ball, and the Americans added two more runs for a 16-0 lead.

The merry-go-round continued in the fourth for the two-time defending Women’s World Cup champions which scored 11 runs on nine hits to run away with a 27-0 win to remain unbeaten.

Ashleigh Vargas got the starting nod for Team USA and retired eight of the nine batters she faced with one walk before handing the ball over to reliever Christin Sobeck with two outs in the third. Sobeck walked the first hitter before sitting down the next two batters and then giving way to Megan Meidlinger who recorded the final two outs to end the game.

Eight Americans led by LeMasters (4-for-5) had two or more hits for Team USA which racked up 23 hits and 12 extra-base hits. Veenema and shortstop Jane Uh each had three hits apiece for the gold medal favorites.

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