US beats New Zealand 12-2 in shortened game at softball worlds in Venezuela

US beats New Zealand at softball worlds in Caracas

CARACAS, Venezuela — Pitcher Eileen Canney made her first appearance for the United States, leading the Americans past New Zealand 12-2 Friday for their second straight victory at the world softball championships.

The U.S. has won this tournament six straight times but is expected to be challenged by Olympic champion Japan, with Australia, Canada, China and Venezuela also in the mix.

The U.S. scored six runs in each of the second and third innings and the game was stopped in the fourth inning because of the mercy rule.

Canney picked up the victory, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out five.

“I get nervous before every game but this one was definitely up there,” she said. “I was really nervous at the beginning, but I began to settle down and realized I had such great support around me. That really helped calm my nerves.”

Alissa Haber had two hits and two RBIs and scored twice for the U.S. Charlene Cartwright was the losing pitcher.

The U.S. was to play Venezuela later Friday. Canada beat Taiwan 5-2 and had a late game against Argentina. Japan was facing the Netherlands.

In other Friday games, it was Dominican Republic vs. Botswana, Cuba vs. South Africa, Czech Republic vs. New Zealand, Britain vs. Taiwan and Australia vs. China.

The tournament ends July 2.