Just because the U.S. team has called on Jennie Finch to focus on her top-notch pitching all these years doesn't mean she's forgotten how to hit.

Given the chance to swing away, Finch has become a staple in the middle of the lineup for a new-look American team that has 10 rookies.

She came through with another big hit last night, powering a two-run home run to left field during a six-run first inning as the U.S. routed Italy, 12-0, in the World Cup of Softball at Oklahoma City.

"That sort of broke things open for us that first inning," U.S. coach Jay Miller said. "She's been swinging the bat great. I think she's seeing the ball well and doing a great job offensively.

"You couldn't ask for anything more."

In other games:

Australia 6, Netherlands 1: Jodie Bowering homered and former University of Hawai'i Rainbow Wahine Stacey Porter went 3 for 3 and drove in two runs to lead Australia.

Canada 3, Australia 2: Jennifer Yee capped a 3 for 3 effort with a tiebreaking home run in the fifth inning to lift Canada.

Japan 7, Italy 0: Maki Tanigawa had two hits and scored the game-ending run as Japan ended the game after five innings due to the mercy rule.

SWIMMING

CHINA'S DIVERS GO 1-2

Qin Kai and Zhang Xinhua of China swept the top two places in 1-meter springboard diving to open the swimming world championships yesterday in Rome.

Qin compiled 449 points in the six-dive final. Zhang took silver with 445.90 points and Matthew Mitcham of Australia was third with 440.20.

Qin won gold at the Beijing Olympics with Wang Feng in 3-meter synchronized and took bronze in 3-meter springboard. He also won two golds at the last worlds in Melbourne, Australia, two years ago.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

GOING FOR FOUR IN ROW

Olympic gold medalists Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers won their opening pro beach volleyball matches at the AVP Manhattan Beach Open at Manhattan Beach, Calif.

The three-time defending champions beat Corin Bemus and Fernando Sabla, 21-14, 21-10, and followed up with a 21-15, 21-13 win over Mike Bruning and Dana Camacho yesterday.

Dalhausser and Rogers are trying to become just the third men's team in history, and first in nearly 25 years, to win four straight titles in Manhattan Beach.

AND WHAT'S MORE ...

Miguel Vasquez (25-3, 12 KOs) upset previously undefeated and world-ranked Breidis Prescott (21-1, 18 KOs) by split decision in their 10-round lightweight main event last night at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.