SASKATOON, Saskatchewan -- Nina Lindenberg hit a two-run home run, and Lisa Fernandez struck out 10 as the United States defeated China 4-0 Wednesday night at the Women's World Softball Championship.

The U.S. team improved to 6-0, winning every game by shutout, and secured the top playoff spot from its pool.

"Tonight was a big game for us to win,'' U.S. coach Mike Candrea said. "This puts us in the driver's seat in our pool with one game remaining.''

The United States closes out the round-robin portion of its schedule Thursday against Netherlands Antilles.

China fell to 5-1.

Fernandez, who escaped some trouble in the third, earned her second win of the tournament. She finished with a three-hitter and walked one batter.

"There's nothing like pitching when you have a lead,'' Fernandez said. "It allows you to really mix up your game and keep the opposing team off-balance.''

Lindenberg's homer made it 2-0 in the second, and the United States added two more runs in the sixth.

China loaded the bases loaded in the third, but a hard lineout to first ended its only scoring threat.

"This team is really taking care of the little things like good base running and defensive hustle,'' Fernandez said. "It's that type of commitment that's going to win us this world championship.''