Softball: NZ batting woes continue against US

New Zealand continued to struggle with their hitting, going down 2-0 to the US in the Olympic women's softball competition on Friday.

In contrast the US rediscovered their touch with the bat, the win keeping alive their hopes of defending the Olympic title.

Coming off three straight losses in the tournament - a first for the US in international competition - another would have put them out of the medal reckoning.

But the US showed they were a cut above the White Sox with the bat, hitting six safe hits to New Zealand's one. The White Sox did not get a runner past second base.

Jennifer Brundage opened the US team's account in style with an automatic home run over the left outfield fence at the top of the second inning.

Brundage scored a second in the fourth inning when the US had loaded bases and no outs.

New Zealand's No 1 Gina Weber pitched the whole game, but couldn't stem the famed hitting strength of the US which has been missing to date at this tournament.

Lori Harrigan dominated the New Zealand batters from the mound, winning the pitching duties over Lisa Fernandez for Friday's game.

Fernandez, who played third base, is widely regarded as the world's best softball player.

The White Sox will meet Japan, form team of the tournament in the last of round robin matches tomorrow.

Japan are expected to be top qualifiers heading into the medal round.

- NZPA