U.S. softball team scores sixth shutout

By STEVE RIVERA

Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece - USA softball coach Mike Candrea said it was only a matter of time before Leah O'Brien-Amico would have a game to be proud of.

It came Thursday when O'Brien-Amico, marred in a 2 for 15 slump at the 2004 Olympics, hit a two-run single in the fourth inning to help Team USA to a 7-0 victory over the host Greeks at Helliniko.

``I've been around Leah long enough,'' Candrea said of his former University of Arizona star. ``If you look at the record book and see who has the highest batting average in the College World Series, it's Leah Amico. She's a clutch performer.''

Earlier in the week, Candrea said all it would take was a good solid hit or contact from his former star to get her going. In her first at-bat, she lined out. In her second at-bat, she hit a fly to deep center.

Then came her single up the middle to help break open a 2-0 game.

An inning later, the U.S. closed out Greece for its sixth consecutive shutout and fourth mercy-rule victory. USA (6-0) has clinched at least a No. 1 or No. 2 seed for the medal round, which begins on Sunday.

Although the three-time Olympian has struggled, O'Brien-Amico has remained positive in her approach.

``I just felt good,'' she said. ``But yes, it meant a lot because it's good to play well when everyone else is coming through.

``I'm really just trying to build on what my teammates are doing; they are doing a great job. The important thing is a win and to stay positive.''Starting pitcher Lisa Fernandez picked up her second win of the 2004 Olympics, throwing a one-hitter. It's the fifth one-hitter by Team USA in six games. The U.S. offense had nine hits.

``They raise the level of play for everyone,'' said Lindsey Bashor, a former Iowa Hawkeye who plays center field for Greece, now 2-4 in pool play. ``It makes teams come out and try their hardest and do their best. I thought we played well today.''