Stacey Porter's grand slam homer earned Australia a lop-sided 16-1 victory over host China at softball China Cup played in Beijing on Wednesday.

 

Australia, the bronze medalists at world championships, scored seven points out of the second inning as Chinese pitcher Wang Lan surrendered two walkaways and three hits and China's two errors in the second also led to a situation worse to their collapse.

Wang gave Belinda Wright walkaway first before Sandra Allen's single. Then Sun Li's error enabled the Australians to fully based. Another walkway to Kate Judo to help Allen win Australia's first point.

 

The second error rendered Sandra Allen the second point and Nat Titcume's single drove Danica Howlett home before Porter hit grand slam home run to add another four points.

 

Seven points in the second inning encouraged Australia's offense in the third, which produced five more points to the advantaged side.

 

Wang Lan is substituted by Zhou Yin after she allowed two quick hits in the third. Sandra Allen singled before reaching the home plate when Jodie Bowering hit double. Then Bowering followed up to the plate to Mel Weaver's single. Zhou Yi's walkaway to Tracey Mosley allowed Kate Judd to walk home and Mel Weaver scored again to establish Australia a 12-point lead over China just after three innings.

 

China had to change the pitcher in the fourth inning to have Yu Huili on after the first two allowed 11 hits and 12 points to Australia.

 

Yu's pitch work failed to stop the Australians from expanding their scoring rattle. Yu gave up two hits and back-to-back walkaway, enabling Australia four more points.

 

China's sole point came in the second half of the fourth inning as Sun Li's double drove Wu Di home to avoid a blank for host.

 

Chinese head coach Wang Lihong labeled the game as abnormal. "It's a game out of the order for us. When we made mistakes, the athletes plunged into panic and a emotional pressure followed up for them," said Wang, adding her players are not strong-minded in the game.

 

"For the starting pitcher Wang Lan, it's just all right in the beginning but she faded after Australia scored with ease.

 

"The Australians judged accurately over out-line balls and carried through the match in their rhythm."

 

"It will not affect our performance in the upcoming games tomorrow, actually. The game is just our chance to practice and to gain experience.

 

"Australia is in favor, which is not surprising for us. What surprises us is their winning with such a large margin," added Wang.

 

"We should analyze the game and make self-evaluation when we are back. Actually, we did make some key errors in the game."

 

Substitute pitcher Zhou Yin echoed Wang's voice for the emotional weakness in Chinese team.

 

"I performed modestly. I was a little nervous when the bases are occupied by the opposing team, besides it was the first time that I pitch against Australia," said Zhou.

 

In previous two games of the day, China beat Chinese Taipei 12-0 and Canada down Chinese Taipei 6-0.

 

In last year's world championship, China lost to Australia in the bronze final and finished fourth in the 16-team tournament, which serves as the first Olympic test event in Beijing.

 

Softball has been dropped from the Olympics beginning with the 2012 London Games.

 

All four teams here take the opportunity to let their full pool experience the Olympic venue and finalize their rosters for the Olympics ten months away.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 11, 2007)