US tops Czech Republic 9-0 to finish group play unbeaten at world softball championships

US finishes group play unbeaten after 9-0 win

CARACAS, Venezuela — Jennie Finch hit an inside-the-park home run and the United States finished group play unbeaten after defeating the Czech Republic 9-0 on Tuesday at the world softball championships.

The victory gives the United States the top spot in Group B.

Eileen Canney was the winning pitcher with eight strikeouts and Alissa Haber had a three-run double. Haber is leading the team with a .750 average and has 12 hits, six doubles and 16 RBIs.

Japan also went 7-0 in Group A after its 10-0 win over South Africa.

The group round wrapped up Tuesday, setting the pairings for Wednesday’s playoffs.

In other results Tuesday, Australia downed Botswana 10-0, Britain edged Argentina 2-1, New Zealand blanked the Dominican Republic 3-0, Taiwan beat Cuba 1-0, Venezuela defeated China 5-2 and Canada downed the Netherlands 6-1.

In Wednesday’s first day of playoffs it’s: Japan vs. Venezuela; United States vs. Canada; Taiwan vs. China; Australia vs. Netherlands. Playoffs are also set for Thursday with the final scheduled for Friday.

The United States and Japan are favored to reach the final.