Americans fight back

Valerie Arioto doubled in the tiebreaking run and followed it with a grand slam to power the United States to an 8-4 victory against rival Japan on Saturday night at the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City. The Americans (3-1) bounced back from a loss to Canada earlier in the day to secure a crucial win for their hopes of reaching Monday night’s championship game and pursuing a fifth straight World Cup title. The U.S. would meet Canada in the championship game Monday night if both teams win today. The Americans face Great Britain (1-2) while the Canadians (3-1) play Australia (2-2). Despite never having reached the championship game, Canada (3-1) is the only team to beat the U.S. more than once at the World Cup. – Associated Press