Japan Wins Softball Opening Game by Cold Game

Defeating Australia 8-1... Ace Ueno Yukiko's Strong Pitching
First Olympic Game in Fukushima... No Audience Marred the Event

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Japan smiled in the first softball game held at the Olympics in 13 years. On the 21st, Japan defeated Australia 8-1 in a 5-inning cold game victory in the first game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic softball pool league held at Azuma Stadium in Fukushima Prefecture.

Ace Yukiko Ueno pitched excellently, striking out seven batters over 4⅓ innings while allowing only two hits and one run. Minori Naito and Yamato Fujita also showcased the defending champion's prowess by each hitting a two-run homer. Japan won the gold medal in softball when it was last held at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The softball game held two days before the opening ceremony marked the starting point of this Olympics. It was the first among the 33 official events to take place. Due to the spread of COVID-19, no spectators were allowed. Fukushima Prefecture, where the game was held, was once avoided as a "land of death" after the 2011 massive earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan, causing a nuclear power plant accident.