PAN AMERICAN GAMES : Fernandez Completely Perfect in Relief

This is getting to be a habit.

The U.S. women’s softball team threw yet another no-hitter, its fourth in six games, beating Venezuela, 6-0, Thursday night. This one had a trick to it, though.

Michele Granger, who no-hit Puerto Rico, 10-0, on Monday, threw nine consecutive balls to start the game. She then left with a blister on her ring finger and was replaced by Lisa Fernandez.

Fernandez, the only U.S. pitcher who did not have a no-hitter in these Pan American Games, then retired every batter she faced. She threw a perfect game in relief and struck out 16.

In 41 innings, pitchers Debbie Doom (two perfect games), Fernandez and Granger have given up a total of three hits (all by Fernandez), no runs and have struck out 80.

The Americans scored once in the first inning, twice in the third and three times in the fifth.