Undefeated in Venezuela ... So Far

Hey everyone.

So far we are 5-0 in Venezuela! I pitched in our second game against Brazil, after Monica Abbott threw 3 innings as the starter. We won 7-0 in 5 innings. On day 3, we faced Ecuador, and Nikki Nemitz split time in the circle with Brandice Balschmiter as we won 21-0 in 3 innings.

Yesterday was our first doubleheader; we first faced Panama in the tournament's opening game of the day at 9 AM. I started and threw the allotted three innings as we won 22-0 in a game shortened by the run rule. Megan Langenfield and Kaitlin Cochran hit back to back home runs, and Ashley Holcombe also hit her first home run of the tournament. In game two we faced the Netherlands Antilles, with Monica Abbott and Nikki Nemitz splitting pitching time. Langenfield added another pair of home runs during that game, and Andrea Duran blasted a long home run over the wall in left field.

We've been enjoying our time in Venezuela, and have been lucky to have great staff supporting us for the tournament. We have a few translators with us at all times, and our guard Miguel has been great. They take care of anything we might need help with and make the transitions from the hotel to the field and back run smoothly. I know we can be a lot of work, but they have been great!!

We found a great deli near our hotel and were able to have a nice meal after our game yesterday, complete with gelato for dessert! I'm sure we will be making several trips back there before the week is over. We went to TGIFriday's for an American-style dinner last night and had another fun outing with the team. It's been interesting trying to keep the time difference, which is only 30 minutes from Eastern Time, straight. Since its so close, I keep forgetting whether I've set my clock to right time time or not!

Today is our second doubleheader, so were trying to get a little rest last night before another big day. We play El Salvador first at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Dominican at 3. We round out the week vs. Belize at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, and Cuba at 4:30 PM on Thursday. Medal rounds will start on Friday and run through Sunday.

Wish us luck. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!