Team USA downs Argentina 7-0
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Team USA continued its strong play in Puerto Rico by topping Argentina 7-0 in five innings Wednesday morning at the Pan American Games Qualifier. Texas Ex Taylor Hoagland, left field, and rising Longhorn senior Taylor Thom, shortstop, each started the contest and scored a run to help the U.S. improve to 5-0 in pool play.
The Americans didn’t waste time, jumping to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first. A walk and two singles loaded the bases with no outs and Michelle Moultrie scored the initial run on an illegal pitch. A squeeze bunt from Valerie Arioto brought in Raven Chavanne for the two-run lead.
(Also See: Mack Brown Excited About This Year’s Team)
Both teams were held off the board in the second and third innings before Team USA added another run in the bottom of the fourth for a 3-0 advantage. With two outs and Moultrie on first following a fielder’s choice, Moultrie stole second and scored on a Chavanne double.
The Americans scored four times in the bottom of the fifth to end the game at 7-0 due to the run rule. After a fly out started the frame, Arioto walked and Lauren Chamberlain delivered a pinch-hit two-run home run to make it a 5-0 lead. Hoagland walked, moved to second on a passed ball and to third on an illegal pitch. Thom followed with a free pass to put runners on the corners. A Lindsey Ziegenhirt sacrifice fly plated Hoagland and moved Thom to second. Thom ended the contest by scoring on a wild pitch.
In the circle, American starter Jessica Moore threw all five innings, surrendering two hits and a walk and striking out four.
Team USA plays its final pool game Thursday at 3:30 p.m. CT versus the US Virgin Islands.
Pan American Games Qualifier Team USA Schedule
(all times Central)
Saturday, August 10 USA 16 Aruba 0 (three innings)
Sunday, August 11 USA 11 Brazil 0 (five innings)
Monday, August 12 USA 5 Cuba 1
Tuesday, August 13 USA 12 Colombia 0 (four innings)
Wednesday, August 14 USA 7 Argentina 0 (five innings)
