Defending champions United States beat hosts China 2-0 to reach the top of Pool A for playoffs Friday at women's softball World Championships, the first Olympic test event in China.

U.S. ace pitcher Catherine Osterman stuck out nine of Chinese players to molten rivals offense. She melted down China's opportunities to score a few times after the third base loaded by powerful and deceptive pitching.

The United States took the advantage of Chinese catcher's error to run Caitlin Lowe home after she hit the first single of the match.

Lu Yi hit a cheer-lifting triple to start China's scoring effort to end up with two strikeouts by robust Osterman, who fielded off three Chinese batters by striking in the third.

China took all kinds of strategies to break through, but all failed to function over weak hit and powerless throw in face of the defending champions.

Lu Wei relieved starter Li Qi to pitch in the sixth inning, but she failed to pave China the way to home by giving up one hit, one run.

Stacey Nuveman hit a double before being replaced by quick runner Jessica Mendoza in the second base, then Andrea Duran hit a single to drive Jessica Mendoza home to seal the final victory for the United States in the hard-fighting collision.

China's starting pitcher Li Qi struck out four and allowed two walks and one run and her reliever Lu Wei surrendered two hits, taking only one strikeout.

"It's a high-level match. China got a strong defense to reduce our chances to score. We should have more opportunities to make marks," U.S. coach Mike Candrea said.

"I have high expectations on my team, so each game we are in, we are playing for a win," he said.

"China is an arch rival, but we managed to win. I think I performed very well on field," said U.S. pitcher Osterman.

The World Softball Championship is the first Olympic test event in Beijing with 16 teams competing in two pools, which will produce four spots (excluding China, the host) participating in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Source: Xinhua