Venezuela took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning when Maria Soto led off with a solo home run to left field but the lead would not last long as they USA stormed back with two runs in the bottom of the inning.

Jessica Mendoza (Camarillo, Calif.) started a two out rally with a double to center field. Crystl Bustos (Canyon Country, Calif.) was intentionally walked and both players advanced when Venezuela starter Mariangee Bogado was called for an illegal pitch. Tairia Flowers (Tucson, Ariz.), who was named MVP just a week ago at the Canada Cup, came through with a single up the middle that plated both runners for a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the second inning Lauren Lappin (Anaheim, Calif.) led off with a single, advanced to second on an error by the pitcher and then on to third on an illegal pitch. A sacrifice fly by Laura Berg (Santa Fe Springs, Calif.) scored Lappin for the third run of the game but the U.S. offense was just getting started.

Natasha Watley (Irvine, Calif.) followed with a triple to left field and scored on the third illegal pitch of the game. Vicky Galindo (Union City, Calif.) kept the offensive attack going with a bunt single but the hit of the game came from Bustos who launched a home run that one hopped the 300 foot fence at Hall of Fame Stadium.

Johana Gomez was called upon out of the bull pen to slow down the USA offense and was able to hold the powerful Red, White and Blue scoreless in the bottom of the third inning but in the fourth she did not fair as well.

Watley collected her second triple of the day with a laser down the right field line to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by Galindo. Bustos reached base for the third time in the game but this time it was after being hit by a pitch. Caitlin Lowe (Tustin, Calif.) came in to pinch run but didn’t to get to utilize her speed as Kelly Kretschman (Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.) launched a home run to left field to give the U.S. the runs it needed to end the game early due to the run rule.

Alicia Hollowell (Suisun, Calif.) closed out the game in the circle for the U.S. allowing one hit and struck out two.

Watley and Flowers paced the USA at the plate going 2-for-3 while Flowers, Bustos and Kretschman each contributed two RBI to the effort.

The USA returns to action on Friday when they take on China at 7 p.m. CST. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the ASA Hall of Fame Gift Shop, calling 800-654-8337 or visiting www.softballoutlet.com.