U.S. Still Waiting for Some Competition

For young and old alike, it was another easy night for the U.S. team.

Dot Richardson, the oldest member of the squad at age 34, hit a three-run homer and 18-year-old Christa Williams, the youngest player on the team, pitched a two-hitter in a 9-0 victory over the Netherlands at Columbus, Ga.

The Americans, gold-medal favorites, have outscored their first two opponents, 19-0.

Richardson homered in her second consecutive game, while Williams struck out 10 and walked two. She didn’t allow a baserunner after the second, retiring 16 of the last 17 batters.

Sheila Cornell also hit a three-run homer for the Americans.

The Netherlands fell to 0-2 in the eight-team, round-robin tournament.

America’s competition for the gold is expected to come from China, the only team to beat the Americans in international play since 1986. However, the Chinese were upset by Japan, 3-0, in an earlier game.

Also, Australia beat Taiwan, 4-0, and Canada defeated Puerto Rico, 4-0.