Thomas Pitches USA to Victory
7/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
July 11, 2011
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The USA Softball National Team opened the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship in Surrey, B.C., this past weekend with two wins in three contests, defeating Australia and Venezuela while dropping a tough loss to Japan. Missouri ace Chelsea Thomas picked up the win in Sunday's game against Venezuela, as Team USA backed her with eight runs.
Team USA opened play on Saturday, July 9 with a 5-0 win over Australia, but would go on to lose by a 1-0 score in nine innings to Japan. In their lone contest on Sunday, Thomas earned the start against Venezuela and picked up the victory, as she tossed five innings while allowing just three hits and striking out seven for her first career international win. The squad scored eight runs off Venezuela to pull out the 8-0 run-rule victory in six innings. Rhea Taylor scored the first run of the game after coming in as a pinch runner in the top of the fifth. She would score from first on a double by Texas' Taylor Hoagland.
The United States continues the tournament on Monday, July 11 with a game against host Team Canada. Action will start at 8:30 p.m. CT. Fans can get live stats and watch a free stream online at www.canadianopenfastpitch.com.
