BEIJING — The U.S. softball team picked up where it left off four years ago as Jennie Finch pitched five no-hit innings and the Americans hit three home runs — one an inside-the-parker by Caitlin Lowe — to rock Olympic newcomer Venezuela 11-0 in its tournament opener Tuesday.

The Americans set an Olympic record for runs and won their 15th straight Olympic game.

Natasha Watley hit a two-run shot, Crystl Bustos ripped a solo homer and Andrea Duran had three RBIs as the U.S. began its quest for a fourth straight gold medal with a rout much like the ones they strung together at the Athens Games.