CARACAS, Venezuela » Katie Cochran singled in two runs in a four-run first inning and the United States went on to beat Japan 4-0 yesterday and clinch a spot in the finals of the softball world championships.

The United States will try to make it seven consecutive world titles today. The U.S. will play Japan or Canada.

The Canadians narrowly defeated China 1-0 late yesterday, setting up a game against Japan.

Many are expecting the U.S. to meet Japan in the finals — a potential matchup that would stir emotions among veteran players on both teams.

Instead of capping their sport’s fourth Olympic appearance with a fourth gold medal in the 2008 games in Beijing, the Americans lost 3-1 to Japan.