Haylie McCleney’s big night sends USA to gold medal game
USA defeated Australia, 5-0, led by Haylie McCleney, who was involved in all five runs of the host team. The Alabama hero had a perfect night at the plate, going 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.
In the top of the first inning, McCleney led off the game with a single to right field, and later scored the first run of the game on a Hannah Flippen RBI single. Then in the fourth frame, the center fielder cleared the bases with a line-drive double to right field, and then scored on a double steal play. McCleney had three of USA’s five hits in the game
From the circle, Ally Carda tossed five innings of one-hit ball, with 3 walks and 6 strikeouts. Montana Fouts pitched two perfect innings, striking out five of the six batters she faced.
Australia’s only hit of the game came off the bat of Belinda White in the second inning.
USA will play for the gold medal and the title of world champion against Japan tomorrow at 8 p.m. Australia will play Chinese Taipei for the bronze.