The United States began the inaugural USA Softball International Cup in dominant fashion ©USA Softball

The United States began the inaugural USA Softball International Cup in dominant fashion as both teams representing the nation claimed victories on the opening day of the tournament in California.

USA Red, the country's first team, thrashed Peru 14-0 in just four innings in Pool A at the Bill Barber Park in Irvine.

USA Blue also won their first game as they beat the Czech Republic 15-0 in Pool B.

The two sides are favourites to meet in the final of the event, considered a key warm-up for August's World Championship and which will also offer teams the chance to take their first step towards competing at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

USA Red is comprised of players who will form the nation's roster at the World Championship in the Japanese city of Chiba.

The USA Blue squad is the second string of American players but will still hope they can cause an upset by lifting the trophy on Sunday (July 15).

Elsewhere in Pool A, Puerto Rico played two matches, winning one and losing one.

They beat China 5-0 before succumbing to a 7-0 defeat to Scrap Yard Fast Pitch, an independent women's professional softball team based in Conroe in Texas.

In Pool B, Canada claimed two victories as they ousted Mexico 9-4 and Venezuela 3-2.

Japan inflicted a second defeat of the day on the Czech Republic with a narrow 2-0 success.

The tournament in California is due to continue tomorrow.