Softball: Another blowout for U.S. women

Crystl Bustos and Jessica Mendoza each hit their fourth home runs of the 2008 Beijing Games, and Monica Abbott pitched five perfect innings to lead the U.S. softball team to its 20th consecutive Olympic victory, an 8-0 decision over the Netherlands on Sunday in Beijing.

Tairia Flowers also hit a home run for the U.S., which is 6-0 in the tournament and has outscored opponents 44-1.

The Dutch, who haven't won a game in six tries in their first Olympic appearance, struck out eight times.

The Americans have hit 12 home runs in the tournament, an Olympic record, and they still have to play China, which is 2-4, on Monday before entering the medal rounds.

-- Dan Loumena

Photo: Crystl Bustos of Canyon Country, Calif., acknowledges the crowd after hitting a home run Sunday against the Netherlands, her fourth in six games. Credit: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press