U.S. Blasts China 10-0

All week long the U.S. National Softball Team has stated the importance of getting off to a quick start and avoid the sort of 1st-round loss they had to Canada last year. After playing China tonight it’s clear that there is no chance of that happening this year.

The U.S. scored four runs in the first inning BEFORE they even recorded a single out. They would go on to score six more runs in the first inning causing the near-capacity crowd to scream with delight and the advertising sponsors to cringe in their boots at a possible game called after third innings. A few reactions to the game tonight:

The switch of Caitlin Lowe and Natasha Watley in the 1-2 spot seems to have really paid dividends. It provided the catalyst in the two games today and both of them provide leadoff quality at-bats that no other team can match in the tournament.

Crystl Bustos can hit the ball a very long way.

China’s coach Michael Bastian has a very quick hook—having used two pitchers in the first inning. Considering the way that they pitched you can understand why.

China’s defense was, how can I say this, less than stellar. There were numerous plays they botched and the U.S. team is too good to give numerous second-chances.

There is a growing debate in the press room over who is getting louder ovations….Jennie Finch or Cat Osterman. It seems to be Cat temporarily but I’ll keep you posted on how my informal poll goes the rest of the tournament.

Monica Abbott pitched a great game. But I’m still surprised we haven’t seen more of Alicia Hollowell yet. Maybe tomorrow?

The buzz around the press box is that this year’s U.S. team is much better than last year’s....and that the China team is far inferior to the teams they brought to international competition.

Today the U.S. team faces perhaps their biggest test of the tournament—the ever-dangerous team from Japan. 12pm CST.