Hosts China picked up their fifth victory in a row at the
Softball World Championship, thumping error-prone South Africa 12-0
in just five innings on Thursday.
It was the biggest win for China at the tournament so far.
China dominated the match from the beginning to the end,
allowing only one hit from the African side.
Young pitcher Zhou Yin made her debut at the Softball Worlds,
pitching a complete game.
"Zhou Yin has a very bright future as a pitcher in Chinese
softball team," said China's head coach Michael Bastian.
"I will try to give her more opportunities in the Championships.
I have confidence in her."
Besides solid defense, China also showed good form in offense.
Errors by South Africa's catcher, outfielders and basewomen allowed
China seven runs during the bottom of the fourth inning. This is a
team-best record so far at the tournament held at Fengtai Softball
Field.
Basil Peters, South Africa's head coach, admitted his team's
members are just amateurs compared to China.
"China is a good team, well prepared," Peters said.
China is set to face undefeated defending world champions United
States on Friday.?
?
On Wednesday, China beat New Zealand 6-0, the US swept past Great
Britain 7-0 to claim their fourth win. Japan thrashed the
Netherlands 10-0,?Australia cruised past Botswana 9-0. In
other games, Italy (1-3) edged out South Africa (0-4) 6-2 to take
their first victory; Greece (2-2) picked up a 7-0 win over
Colombia; Venezuela (3-1) beat Chinese Taipei (1-3) 3-2; Canada
(3-1) upset DPR Korea (1-3) 2-0.
(CRI, Xinhua News Agency August 31, 2006)