OKLAHOMA CITY — Jennie Finch is closing out her international softball career as a champion.
Caitlin Lowe had a two-run triple, and the United States beat Japan 5-1 Monday night to win its fourth straight World Cup of Softball title in Finch's final game in red, white and blue.
Finch was pulled with two outs in the seventh and received a standing ovation as she headed into the dugout, stopping momentarily to wave to the crowd.
At 29, Finch decided to give up softball so she could spend more time with her family despite still being able to play at the highest level. She didn't allow a run in 18 2/3 innings at the World Cup, although she wasn't much of a factor in her final game.
Finch's teammates mobbed around her in a group hug after the final out.
A two-time Olympian and 2004 gold medalist, Finch developed into the most recognizable player in the sport after a standout career at Arizona that included the 2001 Women's College World Series title and an NCAA record 60 straight victories.