Posted on: Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Canadian softball team beats Japan, 1-0

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ATHENS, Greece — Erin White squeezed a grounder between first and second base to score Jackie Lance with the only run in Canada's 1-0 softball victory over Japan yesterday. The Japanese are ranked second in the world, behind Team USA.

The Canadians needed an extra inning for their second Olympic win. Lauren Bay has pitched both victories, throwing a three-hitter yesterday and striking out the final two batters with a runner on third. Japan's Yukiko Ueno allowed just one hit.

Former University of Hawai'i-Hilo Academic All-American Kristy Odamura went 0 for 3. Odamura, Canada's captain, bats leadoff.

Canada (2-2) plays the United States today and Japan (1-3) takes on Greece.

Australia moved to second in the standings with an 8-0 mercy-rule win over Italy that ended after five innings. It was the Aussies' third win in four games, with a mercy-rule loss to Team USA the only blemish.

Australian coach Simon Roskvist said the goal now is "not to drop a game" and finish in the all-important No. 2 spot at the end of the preliminary round.

UH-Manoa All-American Stacey Porter, a senior, opened the scoring yesterday with a two-run homer in the first. Pitcher Melanie Roche dominated the Italians, striking out 10 in four innings. Former UH All-American Brooke Wilkins pitched the final inning, striking out two more.

"I was extremely happy with the hitting," Roskvist said. "We batted from one to nine. After yesterday we were tight with the bat, so it was good to have a blowout. It's something the team really needed."

Olympics.com.au and softball.ca contributed to this report.