Surrey, B.C., Canada -- Britni Sneed (Houston, TX) pitched a no-hitter and struck out seven of the nine batters she faced to lead USA Blue to a 10-0 three-inning victory over the Phoenix Storm in the opening round of playoffs at the Canada Cup.
USA Blue scored seven runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a commanding lead. The scoring outbreak was highlighted by a grand slam by Jenny Topping (Whittier, CA). Five other USA players collected hits in the inning including Kim DePaul (Houston, TX), Courtney Dale (Fresno, CA), Jennie Finch (La Mirada, CA) and Lauren Bauer (Santa Ana, CA).
The Storm only put two balls in play in the three innings, but did break up the perfect game with a walk in the top of the third inning.
In the third, Finch reached on a walk, advanced to second on a single by Toria Auelua (Garden Grove, CA) and to third on a walk issued to Bauer. Nichole Thompson (Irvine, CA) drew a bases loaded walk to score Auelua. The final blow came when Topping singled up the middle to collect her fifth and sixth RBI of the game and give the USA a 10-0 mercy rule win.
Bauer stretched her hitting streak to nine games with a single in the second inning.
The Blue squad, which is now 8-1, will play the winner of Australia-Decatur Twister Saturday at 1 p.m. (EST).
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