The United States remains unbeaten in the men's world softball championships taking place in Christchurch, New Zealand, after destroying the Czech Republic 19 to nothing Tuesday.
Each team was undefeated going into the game, but the U.S. racked up nine runs in the fourth inning and eight in the fifth, forcing the match to end early under the seven-run mercy rule.
Host New Zealand, also the defending champion, remains the only other undefeated team after shutting out the Philippines seven to nothing. It was New Zealand's first shutout of the tournament. But the Philippines squandered scoring opportunities throughout by leaving runners on base in each of the first four innings.
Australia hit up Venezuela for an eight to nothing shutout by scoring eight runs off eight hits. The win keeps Australia in a third place tie in Pool-A with Samoa, which beat South Africa 6-5.
The top two teams in each of the two pools qualify for the semifinals.
Leading Pool-A is New Zealand at 5-0, followed by Canada with a 4-1 record. Australia and Samoa are tied for third with 3-2 records.
In Pool-B, the United States is 4-0, the Czech Republic is right behind at 4-1, followed by Japan in third place.
The 15-team tournament ends Sunday with the championship final.
Other results include:
Canada 11, Netherlands 1
Britain 8, Botswana 0
Japan 12, Hong Kong 0