BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Megan Timpf's team-high
three hits lifted Canada to an overwhelming 6-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in
the opening game of the Beijing Olympic softball tournament here on Tuesday.
The Canadians wasted no time to take a lead, putting
up two runs in the top of the second inning. Megan Timpf's double set off her
teammate to break the deadlock and added another run by herself due to the third
baseman's error.
In the top of the third inning, a hot batting Megan
put her second hit of the game to the center field with a double to give the
Canadians a 4-0 advantage.
"We just took every opportunity to run because we
trust the preparations we have done in the past few years. It was a good start
for us today and the team was in a good form," said Megan, who was on her first
Olympic tour.
Chinese Taipei's start pitcher Wu Chia-Yen felt the
pressure from the opponent's powerful hitters and was replaced by Chueh Ming-Hui
in the following innings.
In contrast, Canadian leading pitcher Lauren Regula
recorded no-hitting in the first four innings, working five whole innings and
recording eight strikeouts.
"We did an outstanding job today and the victory was
a huge boost for the whole team. We should go further this time," said the
steady pitcher.
The Canadians achieved two more runs in the top of
sixth inning despite another reliever hurler was put into the circle by Chinese
Taipei's coach.
Li Chiu-Ching's brilliant solo home run in the last
inning gifted Chinese Taipei's only run of the game and cheered the 5250 crowds
under the scorching sunshine in the Fengtai Softball Center
Field.