Monica Abbott pitched five perfect innings, Crystl Bustos, Jessica Mendoza and Tairia Flowers homered and the U.S. Olympic softball team extended its winning streak to 20 with an 8-0 win over the Netherlands.
The U.S. (6-0) needed just 70 minutes to finish off the Dutch (0-6), first-time Olympians who couldn’t handle Abbott’s fastball and were saved an uglier drubbing by the international run-rule. The left-hander retired all 15 batters, striking out eight.
Seeking their fourth straight gold medal, the Americans have now outscored the opposition 44-1 in the tournament.
Bustos and Mendoza have four homers and the U.S. has connected for 12, setting a new Olympic record. On Monday, the Americans will play China (2-4).
Credit: Associated Press
