U.S. softball team shuts out, no-hits Australia, 3-0

BEIJING -- Cat Osterman of Houston pitched a no-hitter and Crystl Bustos of Canyon Country hit a two-run home run as the United States won its 16th consecutive Olympic game, 3-0, over Australia.

Australia is considered on the few teams that can compete with the United States.

The Aussies, with former UCLA pitcher Tanya Harding on the mound, did for awhile, before the Bustos home run in the bottom of the sixth.

Softball has been eliminated from the Games after 2008, largely because so few countries can challenge powers such as the United States and Australia.

--Randy Harvey

AP photo of USA's Crystl Bustos (6) is congratulated after hitting a home run against Australia in a softball game at the Beijing 2008 Olympics by Elaine Thompson

Comments

[sean]

it's being canceled because few countries play and Japan is just as good as Austrailia if not better. I still think it's a shame as the absence of the sport in the olympics will surely kill what growing popularity it had if any.

[Tim Richardson]

It is a shame to eliminate softball from the Olympic Games, because a Country has a strong team year after year. The dreams of millions of girls, that dream of playing softball on the Olympic stage are crush forever and not only girls in the USA. What is next mens swimming. Why not end that, because who can compete with Phelps? If a team or individual can not compete with the other countries so be it. At least give them a chance to play at the Olympics and showcase their talent on the stage that all dream of playing on.

[Isela Gonzales]

It's sad to hear that there won't be anymore softball in the Olympics. JUST BECAUSE the USA can dominate on the field. But yet we keep "Sports" like badminton and handball in there. Why? Softball is BIG everywhere. It's a Competitive sport. What's next? Swimming? Because Michael Phelps is dominating? That's the worst excuse ever. Without competition how is anyone going to improve.