Australia has lost their first game at the 2006 World Cup, ending an unprecedented 13 match winning streak, going down to the USA 9-0 in the sweltering heat in Oklahoma today.

The two international heavyweights rallied in the first two innings, holding the bats.

With Australia pitcher and co-captain Tanya Harding out with a slight injury, Kelly Gentle took to the mound and allowed only five hits with USA able to convert four to runs in the bottom of the third inning, USA taking a 4-0 lead.

At the top of the fourth, Australia headed up play with Sandra Allen moving around the bases but was called out at second with a base path violation for taking her helmet off to wipe sweat from her face.

A change of pitcher in the top of the fifth saw Australia’s Catherine Bishop to the mound, with the USA bats too strong scoring a further five runs to take a 9-0 lead, ending the game with the run-ahead rule at the top of the fifth.

Australia managed three hits but was unable to convert with the world number one USA team dominating on the mound.

Australia has won two from three games defeating China and Great Britain.

Softball Australia