OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- In just the third international game of the year for the U.S. national softball team, coach Ken Eriksen already had a reason to light a fire under his players.
Valerie Arioto homered, Lauren Gibson doubled in a run and the United States beat Australia 3-1 on Friday night at the World Cup of Softball despite what Eriksen considered a lackluster effort.
The Americans (2-0) were limited to four hits, committed two errors and another defensive gaffe and still were able to emerge with their 15th straight victory against Australia (2-1), a streak that dates to the 2000 Olympic Games.
'We can play a lot better. ... If I was a paying customer tonight, I would maybe want to see a little bit better game tomorrow so I can have my money's worth,' Eriksen said.
