USA coasts in softball opener

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Natasha Watley and Caitlin Lowe hit second-inning home runs Tuesday that boosted the United States to an 11-0 win over Venezuela in Olympic softball.

Jennie Finch threw a no-hitter but it was only a five-inning affair because the game was halted due to the 10-run rule.

The Americans embarked on what officials have said will be the final Olympic softball tournament. Softball and baseball will be removed from the Olympic program in 2012, although both sports have petitioned for re-entry at a later date.

The United States is the only nation to have won the softball gold medal and is the heavy favorite to win again.

Canada also won in its opener, 6-0 over Taiwan.