Softball: Finch leads way as US defeats Japan 2-0 in Japan Cup final
Associated Press
SENDAI, Japan — Jennie Finch has thrown a one-hitter and driven in two runs to lead the United States to a 2-0 victory over Japan in the final of the Japan Cup softball tournament.
Finch doubled in two runs in the bottom of the first inning on Sunday, and then struck out eight and walked just one batter in a 97-pitch effort. She was named tournament MVP.
Japan’s only hit was a leadoff single by Rei Nishiyama in the seventh inning.
The game was a rematch of the gold medal game at the Beijing Olympics, which Japan won 3-1, although both teams were using many players who weren’t at the Summer Games.
The United States went 4-0 in the four-nation tournament while Japan was 1-3. Australia defeated Taiwan 4-0 earlier Sunday to wrap up third place.