Henry solid against Team USA

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Former University of Arkansas pitcher Katy Henry struck out two and threw three solid innings against the USA Softball Women’s National team on Friday night at Meador Park in Springfield, Mo. Team USA dominated the ASA Midwest All Stars 15-0 and improved to 55-1 after tallying 18 hits in a game that was part of the KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour. In front of a sold out crowd of 3,012, the U.S. built up a 12-0 lead in three innings before Henry was called upon to enter the game for the All Stars. The right hander came out firing as she held the U.S. to its first scoreless inning after giving up two harmless singles. In the fifth, Henry’s work in the circle was highlighted by fanning Jennie Finch on a called third strike. Finch was batting .429 coming into Friday’s contest. The Poteau, Okla., native held the U.S. scoreless again in the sixth and struck out Kelly Kretschman (.455 batting average) with her final pitch of the game. “Being able to pitch against the U.S. was so exciting and I will never forget this day for the rest of my life,” said Henry. “Striking out both Finch and Kretschman felt really good.” Henry laid claim to two of the four strikeouts by the All Star pitching staff. In three innings, she gave up three runs on six hits and allowed no walks. The starting pitcher Missy Porche was charged with the loss. Cat Osterman threw a complete game and tallied 17 strikeouts to move to 14-0 on the tour. Jessica Mendoza had the hot bat for the U.S. going 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run, three runs scored and four RBI. The U.S. has just four tour games remaining before heading to Beijing on August 4. For more information about USA Softball, please visit http://www.usasoftball.com/ and for more information about Arkansas softball, please log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.