US beats Japan to clinch finals seat at softball worlds

CARACAS, Venezuela — Katie Cochran singled in two runs in a four-run first inning as the United States went on to a 4-0 win over Japan on Thursday and clinch a spot in the finals of the softball world championships. The United States will try to make it seven consecutive world titles when it plays the winner of Friday's game between Olympic champion Japan and Canada. Canada advanced to the playoff after a 1-0 victory against China late Thursday. Japan denied the United States a fourth Olympic gold medal from four appearances when it beat the Americans, 3-1, in 2008 at Beijing. U.S. manager Jay Miller praised pitcher Catherine Osterman for holding down Japan's offense. "With Catherine on the mound, there's nothing better ... it makes things a lot easier for our defense," Miller said. "She shut the door and they weren't able to score." Japan pitcher Sayuri Yamane gave up four hits and four runs. "The result of this game isn't what we wanted, but we are going to work hard to improve," Yamane said through an interpreter. "We have to improve our defense." Miller said he has not yet decided who will pitch in the finals. "We've got four great pitchers and they'll all be ready tomorrow," he said. Asked if he's worried the unbeaten U.S. squad could be feeling over confident, Miller responded: "They remember what happened in Beijing." In the earlier game, Mel Matthews hit a two-run, go-ahead single in the in the seventh inning to give Canada a 3-2 victory against Australia. Australia led 2-0, when Erin Cumpston and Kaleigh Rafter singled to start Canada's rally. Corriene Dommberg followed with an RBI single and Matthews drove in Rafter and Dommberg to win it. Earlier, China eliminated host Venezuela 6-1. Venezuela president Hugo Chavez attended the game to cheer for his team and chat with players in the dugout. He congratulated the Chinese squad following the game. China's players gathered around the socialist leader for a group photograph. – AP