Tamworth's Stacey Porter scored Australia's only run as their hopes of an Olympic softball gold medal were left in tatters with a second big loss to Canada on Saturday morning.
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After getting back on even keel with a win over Italy following a heavy opening defeat by Japan, the Aussie Spirit were never really in hunt against the Canadians, falling to a 7-1 loss.
With the top two countries in the six-team competition advancing directly to Tuesday's gold-medal match, the second failure effectively ends Australia's chances of gold.
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Coach Laing Harrow wanted to see more from his Australian batters and while they had no trouble getting on base, with six hits, they were unable to convert the pressure into runs.
Both of their first and second innings ended with bases loaded, with Porter crossing for their sole run in the opening turn at bat.
Resting star pitcher Kaia Parnaby, the Australians failed to find their early rhythm, with Ellen Roberts replaced by Gabbie Plain after facing just five batters for two runs by Canada.
Trailing 3-1 at the top of the second innings, the Australians again loaded up the bases but Canada brought captain Jenna Caira to the pitching plate and she managed to strike out big-hitting Taylor Tsitsikronis.
Some crucial Australian fielding errors then allowed Canada to storm to a 6-1 lead by the bottom of the second and while the Spirit tightened up defensively for the remainder of the match the damage was done.
Australian Associated Press
