U.S. Blasts Canada 6-1

98 degrees with 85% humidity couldn’t keep 5000 people from checking out the World cup of softball between the U.S. and Canada tonight. After three innings of a scoreless stalemate the U.S. team broke out in the top of the 4th on a Lovie Jung grand slam. They later added a few more insurance runs but before you could say ‘Cat Osterman on in relief’ the U.S. team had sealed up the victory. A few things I noticed during the game:

Judging from the lines outside the gift shop it seems very clear that U.S. Softball fever has swept the OKC. (That’s what the locals call it.) I distinctly heard one stadium employee yell “We need more Jennie Finch statues! Now!”

Not only does the U.S. team have outstanding pitching—some think it’s the most talented pitching staff any national team has ever had—but great defense. Laura Berg made an outstanding play to keep the game close early and Natasha Watley made a remarkable play where she dived to retrieve the ball and then leap to touch third base before the runner could.

I will never understand the appeal of Thundersticks.

The loudest ovation of the night came when Cat Osterman walked to the mound from the dugout. I thought the Beatles had arrived judging by the sound. (Maybe they had.)

Did I mention it was 98 degrees? With humidity. That’s hot.

Tomorrow the U.S. team plays a double-dip against China and Australia. I ran into a coach of USA Softball in the hotel lobby and congratulated him on the game. He shook his head and said “Thanks…but save the congrats until after tomorrow.”