Kretschman Sparks Rally as USA Defeats Rival Australia
8/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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Former University of Alabama softball standout Kelly Kretschman helped lead a fourth inning charge that blew the doors open on a 10-0 five-inning route by Team USA over rival Australia in preliminary round action of the 2004 Olympic Games.
The Americans took an early 2-0, first inning lead for the second straight day. In the bottom of the fourth inning with one out, Kretschman delivered a ground ball through the right side and turned the hit into a double, taking advantage of the lackadaisical Australian defense.
Kretschman came around to score when Natasha Whatley reached on a bases-loaded infield single. It was the first of eight runs Team USA scored in the inning.
Kretschman is now 3-for-5 in the Olympics with three runs scored.
"This game (vs. Australia) is always on my calendar," Lisa Fernandez commented in a post game press conference. I have a tremendous history with Australia as well as my fellow teammates (Leah, Laura and Lori) who have been here since 1996. But that is what you play the game for, rivalry. That is what makes us continue to play this game."
The victory marks the 12th shutout in 21 Olympic competitions for Team USA since its first appearance in Atlanta in 1996. In addition, it was the 72nd consecutive win for the USA Softball Women's National Team dating back to the summer of 2003.
The Americans will resume action on Monday, August 16 at 4:00 a.m. (CT) against the Japanese National team. The game will be televised live on MSNBC.
Murphy and Canadian National Team Suffer First Olympic Setback
The University of Alabama head softball coach Patrick Murphy and the Canadian National Team suffered its first loss in the 2004 Summer Games, dropping a 2-0 decision to the host team, Greece.
The Canadians managed only three hits while committing four errors in the game.
Canada will next be in action on Monday, August 16 at 1:30 a.m. (CT) against China.
