July 24, 2011

Photo Gallery | Box Score

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Sitting in a scoreless tie through three innings, the United States used the second and third trips through their lineup to their advantage, as they exploded for 10 runs in the fourth inning to run-rule Great Britain and punch their ticket to tomorrow night's championship game. Team USA will face either Canada or Japan Monday evening at 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

Despite being held to just one hit through the first two innings, the U.S. finally showed signs of life in the third despite not crossing home plate. Team USA put their first two runners on with a leadoff walk followed by a single into the hole at shortstop. A groundout moved each of the runners into scoring position, but Great Britain worked out of the jam to momentarily keep the game scoreless.

In the fourth, the United States finally broke through and did so in impressive fashion, scoring 10 runs in the frame to defeat Great Britain by run-rule.  For the second straight inning, a walk and a base hit put the first two American batters on base, and they advanced into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. After a hit by pitch loaded them up, designated player Christi Orgeron cleared the bases with a double into left-center, putting the U.S. up 3-0.

After another walk, Michelle Moultrie drove in Oregeron on a booted ball by the Great Britain second baseman, and Mizzou's Rhea Taylor loaded the bases again with a base hit into center field. They didn't stay loaded  long, however, as Stacy May-Johnson cleared the bags by belting a grand slam over the wall in left field to go up 8-0, the second grand slam in as many nights for Team USA. After a strikeout, Valerie Arioto and Brittany Schutte hit back-to-back home runs to finish the game and send the Americans to the title game.

Whitney Canion pitched all four innings for Team USA, allowing just two hits while striking out six. The United States, with a 4-1 record, will face either Japan or Canada tomorrow night at 8 p.m. CT in the World Cup Final. If Canada beats Australia tonight, they'll advance to the finals, and if they lose, it will be Japan against the U.S. Team USA has won four of the five previous World Cups, including the last four.