The U.S. women's national team capped a dominant run in the Women's World Cup group stage with a win over China behind a strong start in the circle by former Tennessee softball star pitcher Karlyn Pickens.
Team USA jumped out to an early five-run lead as Pickens held China hitless in the first two innings. The 6-foot-1 flamethrower found herself in a jam after an error put the leadoff hitter on base to start the third inning. Pickens then walked the next batter, but struck out three straight to get out of the inning with China still scoreless.
The U.S. beat China 7-0 in the playoff game Sept. 16 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City after Maya Brady walked it off in the sixth inning with her third home run of the game. Team USA went 6-0 to advance to the Women's Softball World Cup Finals next year in Redcliffe, Australia, outscoring opponents 59-0 in six run-rule victories.
Rachel Garcia relieved Pickens to start the fourth inning, and the pair combined for a no-hitter. Pickens was credited with the win and recorded four strikeouts and two walks in her second start at the tournament. She only gave up one hit in eight innings pitched in the group stage.
Former Lady Vols star Aubrey Leach-Gartner, who's teammates with Pickens on the Carolina Blaze, batted .625 with four runs scored and one RBI at the tournament.
Pickens had an excellent outing in her first start of the group stage, throwing 10 strikeouts with only one hit allowed in a complete-game shutout. The U.S. beat New Zealand 9-0 in five innings on Sept. 14.
The U.S. opened group play with an 11-0 win over Mexico in four innings before beating Brazil 17-0 in four innings and the Netherlands 8-0 in five innings. After the win over New Zealand, Team USA beat China 7-0 in six innings.
Pickens made her debut for the U.S. ahead of her senior season at Tennessee, and she continues to be a strong arm for the national team as the 2028 Olympics approach.
The Women's World Cup Finals will be held in 2027 with the top two teams from each group advancing. There are three groups with six teams each, and China will play the winner of the Netherlands vs. Mexico for the second qualifying spot.
Cora Hall is the University of Tennessee women’s athletics reporter for Knox News. Email: cora.hall@knoxnews.com; X: @corahalll; Bluesky: @corahall.bsky.social. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks:knoxnews.com/subscribe
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Karlyn Pickens, Team USA advance to World Cup finals with win over China
