Softball at the 2000 Sydney Summer Games:

The United States had not lost a match in two years, winning 110 consecutive games, and were heavily favored going into Sydney. After winning two games, the USA lost to Japan, China, and Australia. With three losses, it was not certain they would make it to the elimination round. They responded with two victories over New Zealand and Italy, and qualified as the fourth team in pool play, but they would have to win three games to win the gold medal against the three teams that already defeated them. They began with a 3-0 victory over China, led by Stacey Newman’s 3-run homer. In a game against Australia, Lisa Fernandez pitched a one-hitter, and Dot Richardson drove in a run in the 5th inning, as they escaped with a 1-0 victory. The final saw Japan face the Americans again. The US only managed one hit in the game, but scratched out a 2-1 extra inning victory with tough pitching and astute baserunning by Jennifer McFalls, who scored from second on an outfield error in the 8th inning.