US makes it 21 straight in Olympics with 9-0 win

[August 18, 2008]  BEIJING (AP) -- The U.S. softball team tied an Olympic record by scoring nine runs in the first inning -- all with two outs -- and beat China 9-0 Monday for its 21st consecutive win.

Kelly Kretschman hit a three-run homer in the first for the Americans (7-0). The U.S. outscored the other seven teams 53-1 in round-robin play and now move into the medal round.

The Americans are on a mission to win their fourth consecutive gold medal in softball's farewell until at least 2016. They have won their last four games in five innings, all stopped early by the international run-rule.

After a day off Tuesday, the U.S. will meet Japan in Wednesday's medal round. The Americans beat the Japanese 7-0 earlier in the tournament.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.