July 07, 2004 -

SURREY, B.C. — USA Schutt Elite plated three runs in the third and erupted for six more runs in the fourth on its way to a 10-0 triumph over the Bloomington Lady Hearts on Tuesday in the 2004 Canada Cup in Softball City.

The game was shortened to five innings because of the mercy rule. A barrage of 14 hits, including a 4-for-4 performance by Caitlin Lowe and a 3-for-3 outing by Kristie Fox, was more than enough offense for left-hander Monica Abbott.

Abbott went the distance with a two-hitter and eight strikeouts to improve to 3-0 at the 2004 Canada Cup. With contests remaining against New Zealand and Canada, USA Schutt Elite upped its record to 4-1 at the event.

“I think we're getting better," coach Jay Miller said. “In the past when we have struggled it was because adjustments were not made. Although we were not able to score early in the game, we did a much better job of putting the hits together. Monica pitched very well and we came through with timely hits."

On Monday, USA Schutt Elite tallied a tournament-high 12 hits and rode the one-hit pitching of UL All-American Brooke Mitchell and Abbott to a 6-0 blanking of the Buffalo Bison's.

Mitchell collected six strikeouts and surrendered one hit over three innings, while Abbott earned her second win of the event by fanning 10 of the 13 batters she faced over four frames.

“When the pitching staff records 16 strikeouts, it makes things a lot easier for our defense," Miller said. “Brooke and Monica were each dominating on the mound, a positive sign as the tournament moves along.

“I was disappointed that we had not take advantage of an opportunity in the first inning to break the game open early. However, once we were able to put a few runs on the board, we kept chipping away. We are continuing to make strides of getting better each game."

After Mitchell struck out the side to begin the game, Vicki Galindo and Caitlin Lowe delivered consecutive singles off Christine Keleher. A fielder's choice by Lisa Dodd forced Galindo at third before Caitlin Benyi and Jodie Legaspi each flew out to strand the runners.

Kim Dodson scratched out a bunt to start the second for Buffalo and was later safe at second base when the relay from Liz Borawski's bunt did not arrive in time.

A sacrifice by Nikki Thompson gave the Bisons a pair of runners in scoring position before shortstop Dodd cut down Dodson at the plate with a perfect strike to catcher Sara Dean for the second out. Still with runners on the corners, Mitchell closed the door by retiring Brianne Hout on a ground ball.

Powered by four straight hits in the bottom of the third, USA Schutt Elite was able to build a 3-0 lead.

Galindo ripped a base-hit up the middle to begin the rally and promptly stole second base. Lowe slapped a single to give her club runners on first and third with none out and Dodd deposited a single into left to drive in Galindo.

A double steal by Lowe and Dodd set the table for Benyi, who roped a two-run single and managed to take second on the relay throw.

USA Schutt Elite put the game out of reach with three runs on three hits and a couple of Buffalo errors in the sixth.


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