WATERCOOLER CHAT: JAPAN WINS WORLD CUP, CLARKE WINS BRITISH OPEN, SOX AND RAYS CAN PITCH
SOCCER
In the Women’s World Cup Japan edged out the United States 3 – 1 in penalty kicks after ending regulation in a 2 – 2 tie. The finals provided riveting competition; ultimately ending in Japan winning the World Cup for the country that over the past year has been ravaged by natural disasters. The US goalie Hope Solo, swept the awards for top goalkeeper throughout the world cup, while Abby Wambach won the Silver Ball for the tournament, proclaiming her the second best player in the World Cup. And one of the most interesting facts about the Women’s World Cup Final was that it set a record for the most number of recorded tweets about one topic with in seconds of the match ending.
GOLF
In the world of Golf, Darren Clarke walked away for the British open with nearly 1.5 million dollars in earnings and the Claret Jug after shooting -5 for the tournament. And even though Sunday was his worst day of the tournament, he still shot only 70. Phil Mickelson made a strong run to get in the lead Sunday, by having the best day on the course of any golfer, but fell just short and finished at -2 for the tournament. He shot 68 on the day. Rory McIlroy disappointed many coming off his dominating major tournament win by only shooting one day under 71, he finished the Open with +7.
BASEBALL
The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays showed they both could pitch. The two teams went 15 innings last night without scoring. In the top of the 16th inning, Red Sox second basemen, Dustin Pedroia snapped the scoreless tie. The game winning hit was only the 8th total hit in the game. Both starting pitchers went eight innings of shutout ball. Red Sox starter, Josh Beckett only allowed one hit, while Rays starter, Jeff Niemann only allowed two.
