Japan repeat 2008 win over US
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Yamato Fujita hitting to drive in their second run in the game against the US. Japan won 2-0.
PHOTO: REUTERS
YOKOHAMA • Hosts Japan waved to mostly empty stands after winning their second straight gold medal in softball.
They beat the United States 2-0 in the final at the Tokyo Games yesterday, using two-way player Yamato Fujita's bat, ace Yukiko Ueno's arm and all-around sharp defensive play.
The result left the Americans with the silver medal, a repeat of the match 13 years ago - the last time Japan played against the US in Olympic softball.
Canada earlier took bronze by defeating Mexico 3-2.
Ueno allowed just two hits over six innings and exited the game to a standing ovation from Canada and last-placed Italy, both of whom had watched the game from the cavernous stadium's top rows.
Fujita had two hits and a hand in both runs, scoring the first and driving in the other.
Opposition pitchers Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott pitched four and one-third scoreless innings.
But Ally Carda, who followed in relief of Osterman, gave up three hits and walked one, allowing the base runners that led to Japan's scores.
Earlier, the sun came out to shine on Canada's victory celebration after a drizzle-soaked bronze medal game.
"A dream come true," said pitcher Jenna Caira after the win that brought her country its first Olympic medal in the sport.
Canada benefited from a bunt single and a fielding error by Mexico, making their debut in the event, to jump ahead 2-0.
Mexico tied the contest before Kelsey Harshman drove in the game-winning run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly off of Danielle O'Toole, who pitched the entire game for Mexico.
O'Toole exhaled deeply as she watched Canadian pitcher Danielle Lawrie near the game's last out.
"Just thinking about alternative outcomes," she said of the moment as Lawrie and two other Canada pitchers just held Mexico off.
Canada spelt out their country's name and, before posing for victory photos around the field, yelled "Let's go Canada" in a chant dedicated to their chef de mission Marnie McBean as she sat watching as their lone fan.
Softball, which was added to the programme here after a 13-year absence, will not return to the Games until at least 2028.
REUTERS