| Softball at the Games of the XXXII Olympiad | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Softball pictogram for the 2020 Summer Olympics | ||||||||||
| Venue | Yokohama Stadium Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium | |||||||||
| Dates | 21–27 July 2021 | |||||||||
| No. of events | 1 | |||||||||
| Competitors | 90 from 6 nations | |||||||||
| Medalists | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||
| Baseball at the2020 Summer Olympics | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Qualification | men |
| Tournament | men |
| Rosters | men |
| Softball at the2020 Summer Olympics | |
 | |
| Qualification | women |
| Tournament | women |
| Rosters | women |
Softball was featured at the2020 Summer Olympics inTokyo in its first Olympic appearance since2008.[1] The tournament consisted of six teams. Baseball/softball was one of five optional sports added to the program of the 2020 Summer Olympics.[2] The first six opening round games were played atFukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium in an effort to highlight Fukushima's recovery from the2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, while the remaining games were played atYokohama Stadium.[3] Softball did not return in 2024.[4]
It was originally scheduled to be held in 2020, but on 24 March 2020, the Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[5] Because of this pandemic, the games were playedbehind closed doors.[6] The opening match of the event betweenAustralia andJapan meant that for the first time since 1996, the opening match of the summer Olympiad was not afootball match.[7]
The medals for the competition were presented by Mr.Yasuhiro Yamashita,IOC Member, andOlympic Champion fromJapan, and the medalists' bouquets were presented byBeng Choo Low,WBSC Secretary General;Malaysia.
The softball tournament featured a single round-robin of the six teams in which each team played one game against each other. The top two teams advanced to a gold medal game, while the third and fourth-placed teams qualified for the bronze medal game.[8][9] Rankings in the round-robin stage were determined by win/loss percentage, with additional tie-breakers on head-to-head record and goal differential, although these were not ultimately necessary.[10][11]
Six teams qualified, including Japan, which, as host nation, qualifies automatically. The United States team won the2018 Women's Softball World Championship to qualify for the Olympics as world champions. The remaining four spots were allocated through three qualification tournaments: one spot for a Europe/Africa tournament, one spot for an Asia/Oceania tournament, and two spots for an Americas tournament.[12] Italy, Mexico, Canada, and Australia qualified by winning those tournaments.
| Event | Date | Location | Quotas | Qualified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host nation | N/a | N/a | 1 |  Japan |
| 2018 Women's Softball World Championship | 2–12 August 2018 | Chiba | 1 |  United States |
| Africa/Europe Qualifying Event | 23–27 July 2019 |  Utrecht | 1 |  Italy |
| Americas Qualifying Event | 25 August – 1 September 2019 |  Surrey | 2 |  Mexico Canada |
| Asia/Oceania Qualifying Event | 24–29 September 2019 |  Shanghai | 1 |  Australia |
| Total | 6 | |||
| GS | Group stage | B | Bronze medal match | F | Gold medal match |
| Wed 21 | Thu 22 | Fri 23 | Sat 24 | Sun 25 | Mon 26 | Tue 27 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS | GS | B | F | ||||
A total of six countries entered softball teams of 15 athletes each.
The top two teams advanced to the gold medal match. The third and fourth-placed teams advanced to the bronze medal match.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | RF | RA | RD | PCT | GB | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 5 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 1.000 | — | Gold medal match |
| 2 | Japan(H) | 5 | 4 | 1 | 18 | 5 | +13 | .800 | 1 | |
| 3 | Canada | 5 | 3 | 2 | 19 | 4 | +15 | .600 | 2 | Bronze medal match |
| 4 | Mexico | 5 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 10 | +1 | .400 | 3 | |
| 5 | Australia | 5 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 21 | −16 | .200 | 4 | |
| 6 | Italy | 5 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 21 | −20 | .000 | 5 |
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | X | 1 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Japan(5) | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | X | X | 8 | 6 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Yukiko Ueno (1–0) LP:Kaia Parnaby (0–1) Home runs: AUS: None JPN:Minori Naito (1),Yamato Fujita (1),Yu Yamamoto (1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Australia faced host nation and defending2008 champion Japan in the first event of the 2020 Summer Olympics.Yukiko Ueno started for Japan and allowed a leadoff single toMichelle Cox. After a flyout, Uenowalked a batter andhit another, loading the bases.Taylah Tsitsikronis was hit by a pitch, scoring Cox and giving Australia a 1–0 lead.Kaia Parnaby started for Australia. In the bottom of the first,Yu Yamamoto tied the game for Japan on a two-out single to right field.Minori Naito broke the tie in the third inning on a two-run home run, and Japan led 5–1 in the fourth after another home run byYamato Fujita.Tarni Stepto replaced Parnaby on the mound mid–inning, allowing a hit and sacrifice fly to give Japan a 6–1 lead.Miu Goto came in after Ueno allowed a one-out walk in the fifth inning and struck outChelsea Forkin with the bases loaded to end Australia's threat. In the bottom of the fifth,Yu Yamamoto ended the game on a homer to center field, making it 8–1 and triggering the Olympicsrun-rule victory.[15][10]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | X | 2 | 5 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Cat Osterman (1–0) LP:Greta Cecchetti (0–1) Sv:Monica Abbott (1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The United States started veteranCat Osterman on the mound, who struck out the first two batters before hittingEmily Carosone and inducing a pop out to end the first inning.Greta Cecchetti pitched for Italy.Haylie McCleney reached first on an error, but was out at second on aJanie Reed fielder's choice. Reedstole second andValerie Arioto walked, but the Americans could not score. After four innings, Osterman had yet to allow ahit. In the bottom of the fourth, a walk,sacrifice bunt, andMichelle Moultrie single gave the United States a 1–0 lead. In the fifth,Andrea Filler singled for Italy's only hit, but they could not score. American catcherAubree Munro singled in the sixth inning and reached second on an error, then a McCleney single left runners at first and third.Alexia Lacatena replaced Cecchetti, and the United States scored its second run on a Janie Reed sacrifice fly. In the seventh inning,Monica Abbott replaced Osterman and struck out the side to give the United States a 2–0 win.[16]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | 4 | 9 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Sara Groenewegen (1–0) LP:Dallas Escobedo (0–1) Sv:Danielle Lawrie (1) Home runs: MEX: None CAN:Jennifer Salling (1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Facing Mexico'sDallas Escobedo,Victoria Hayward singled to lead off. A bunt single byLarissa Franklin and two more singles fromKaleigh Rafter andJenn Salling gave Canada a 2–0 lead as Mexico came to bat. Three years after recovering fromLegionnaires' disease,Sara Groenewegen started on the mound for Canada and retired the first six Mexican batters.[17] In the third inning, Salling added to Canada's lead with a solo home run to right field. In the fourth, Hayward singled again, stole second, moved to third on a ground out, and scored on aKelsey Harshman single to make it 4–0 Canada.Jenna Caira replaced Groenewegen in the fifth, andDanielle Lawrie came on in the sixth for Canada and pitched the remainder of the game to record the save.[18]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Monica Abbott (1–0) LP:Jenna Caira (0–1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sara Groenewegen started for Canada after a loss to Japan the previous day. The Americans loaded the bases in the top of the first on a single byHaylie McCleney, a fielder's choice, a single byAmanda Chidester, andAli Aguilarhit by a pitch. Groenewegenstruck outMichelle Moultrie to end the inning.Monica Abbott started for the United States after recording asave the previous day. Through two innings, both pitchers recorded four strikeouts.Jenna Caira relieved Groenewegen in the third and retired six consecutive batters. In the top of the fifth, the Americans took the lead when Chidester singled to score McCleney. Abbott remained dominant, striking out nine and allowing just one hit in acomplete game shutout.[19]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | R | H | E | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Japan(8) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Miu Goto (1–0) LP:Danielle O'Toole (0–1) Home runs: MEX:Anissa Urtez (1) JPN:Yamato Fujita (2) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Yukiko Ueno began the game on her 39th birthday,[20] whileDanielle O'Toole started for Mexico.Yamato Fujita opened the scoring in the bottom of the second with a solo home run, her second of the tournament, to give Japan a 1–0 lead.Anissa Urtez tied the game for Mexico with a fifth inning solo home run to center field. Japan took a 2–1 lead whenHaruka Agatsuma doubled in the bottom half of the fifth. Ueno remained in the game to start the seventh inning. Anissa Urtez hit a fly ball to center field whichEri Yamada dropped, scoringSuzy Brookshire and tying the game.Miu Goto relieved Ueno and escaped the jam. Japan could not score in the seventh, sending the game toextra innings. In the top of the eighth inning, Canada loaded the bases with no outs, but Moto struck out the side. Japan won in their half of the eighth when aMana Atsumi bunt scored Eri.[21]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Australia | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 1 | 4 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Kaia Parnaby (1–1) LP:Greta Cecchetti (0–2) Sv:Ellen Roberts (1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the final game in Fukushima,Kaia Parnaby started for Australia, andGreta Cecchetti started for the Italians. In the bottom of the second,Taylah Tsitsikronis doubled to left field and advanced to third on aTarni Stepto groundout. She scored whenJade Wall beat out an infield single to second base. Australia held the lead the rest of the game, withEllen Roberts reliving Parnaby in the seventh with runners on first and second and striking outMarta Gasparotto to keep Australia's hopes for a medal alive.[22][23]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canada | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | 7 | 8 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Jenna Caira (1–1) LP:Ellen Roberts (0–1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Australia and Canada began the second half of the group stage, now inYokohama after the previous day'sopening ceremony. FacingSara Groenewegen, Australia loaded the bases in the first with no outs on aLeigh Godfrey single,Stacey Porterground rule double, andTaylah Tsitsikronis hit by pitch. They took a 1–0 lead whenJade Wall walked, but Groenewegen struck out the next two batters to end the threat. Canada, facingEllen Roberts, responded with three runs in the first inning.Victoria Hayward scored when third basemanStacey Porter threwLarissa Franklin's ground out past the first baseman, and Canada added two more runs on a ground rule double byJenn Salling. Australia loaded the bases again in the top of the second.Jenna Caira replaced Groenewegen and escaped without allowing any runs. In the bottom of the second, a throwing error byChelsea Forkin at first base plated another run for Canada, and they made it 6–1 after a ground rule double byErika Polidori.Emma Entzminger knocked in another run in the fourth inning with the bases loaded to give Canada a 7–1 lead, withLauren Regula pitching the seventh to end the game.[24]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mexico | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Cat Osterman (2–0) LP:Dallas Escobedo (0–2) Sv:Monica Abbott (2) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mexico sentDallas Escobedo to the mound to try to secure Mexico's first tournament win, while the United States startedCat Osterman. Mexico got its only hit in the bottom of the second, whenVictoria Vidales beat out an infield hit to the shortstop. In the top of the third, a leadoff walk andHaylie McCleney single saw Escobedo replaced byDanielle O'Toole, who got two outs and intentionally walkedValerie Arioto beforeAli Aguilar singled to center field to give the United States a 2–0 lead. In the top of the sixth,Anissa Urtez threw out Arioto at home on a ground out, keeping the score close.Monica Abbott pitched a scoreless seventh inning to secure a third tournament win for the United States.[25]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Italy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Miu Goto (2–0) LP:Alexia Lacatena (0–1) Home runs: JPN:Yu Yamamoto (2),Yamato Fujita (3) ITA: None Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Yamato Fujita, pitching for the first time in the tournament, started the game for Japan. She pitched two scoreless innings before allowing a double toBeatrice Ricchi and being relieved byMiu Goto, who struck out a batter and got two ground outs to escape the third inning. In the top of the fourth, third basemanYu Yamamoto hit a two-run homer to give Japan a 2–0 lead. Fujita, batting next, hit a deep fly ball thatLaura Vigna kept in the park. In the sixth inning, Fujita gave Japan three more runs on her third home run of the tournament. Moto, who struck out nine of 19 batters, pitched the remainder of the game to give Japan its third win.[26]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | R | H | E | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States(8) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Monica Abbott (2–0) LP:Tarni Stepto (0–1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Monica Abbott started for the United States and recorded a scoreless first.Tarni Stepto, pitching for Australia, surrendered a leadoff triple toHaylie McCleney, who was thrown out at home two batters later by shortstopClare Warwick on anAmanda Chidester fielder's choice. The teams traded quick innings until the top of the sixth, when Australia loaded the bases onLeigh Godfrey's single and walks fromStacey Porter andJade Wall. Abbott struck outMichelle Cox to keep the game scoreless. With no score after seven innings, the game moved intoextras.Belinda White, began the inning at second base, and moved to third on a Godfrey sacrifice bunt. Abbott intentionally walked Porter, then walkedTaylah Tsitsikronis and Wall to give Australia a 1–0 lead. In the bottom half, McCleney singled and aJanie Reed sacrifice bunt left runners at second and third.Amanda Chidester won the game for the United States on a single to left field.[27]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | R | H | E | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Japan(8) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Miu Goto (3–0) LP:Danielle Lawrie (0–1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Japan returned toYukiko Ueno to start its fourth tournament game, while Canada startedSara Groenewegen. Groenewegen pitched three innings, allowing three hits and striking out two beforeJenna Caira took over through the fourth. AfterHaruka Agatsuma walked andMana Atsumi grounded out,Danielle Lawrie came in to pitch for Canada and recorded two ground outs to escape unharmed. Ueno, meanwhile, allowed four hits and struck out four batters in six innings;Miu Goto took over in the seventh and struck out the side. In the bottom of the seventh,Eri Yamada singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. After pinch-hitterSayaka Mori reached first on an error by shortstopJanet Leung, Lawrie intentionally walkedNodoka Harada and induced a line out fromYuka Ichiguchi to end Japan's threat and send the game to extra innings. In the top of the eighth, Moto again struck out the side. Japan began the eighth withMinori Naito at second base, and she advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Canada intentionally walked two batters to load the bases; Japan sentHitomi Kawabata to third to run for Naito. Yamada ended the game by singling to center, plating Kawabata.[28] With the win, Japan qualified for the gold medal match. Canada's loss sent the United States to the gold medal match as well to face Japan.[29]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mexico | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | X | 5 | 9 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Dallas Escobedo (1–2) LP:Greta Cecchetti (0–3) Home runs: ITA: None MEX:Sydney Romero (1),Anissa Urtez (2),Brittany Cervantes (1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dallas Escobedo andGreta Cecchetti each started their third game of the tournament for Mexico and Italy, respectively. Mexico opened the scoring whenChelsea Gonzales doubled to sendSuzy Brookshire home. They added another run in the third with aSydney Romero solo home run. After a two-run homer in the fifth byAnissa Urtez made it 4–0, Italy relieved Cecchetti on the mound withAlexia Lacatena, who immediately allowed aBrittany Cervantes solo home run. Escobedo, who surrendered her first and only hit in the sixth toLaura Vigna, completed the game by striking outGiulia Longhi.[30] It was Mexico's first win in the Olympic Games and kept them in the running for the bronze medal match.[31]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Monica Abbott (3–0) LP:Yamato Fujita (0–1) Home runs: JPN: None USA:Kelsey Stewart (1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Japan faced the United States in a preview of the gold medal game to follow.Ally Carda started for the Americans in her first tournament pitching appearance. In the top of the first,Saki Yamazaki reached safely on an error byKelsey Stewart and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt.Hitomi Kawabata’s single left runners at the corners, and Yamazaki scored an unearned run on apassed ball byAubree Munro, giving Japan a 1–0 lead.Yamato Fujita, pitching for Japan, held the United States scoreless for 5⅓ innings, while Carda struck out the side in the second and held Japan at bay through the fifth.Cat Osterman relieved Carda in the sixth, striking out two batters. In the bottom of the sixth,Haylie McCleney andJanie Reed singled. After a fielder’s choice advanced McCleney,Val Arioto tied the game with a single to left field.Ali Aguilar walked to load the bases, butDelaney Spaulding flied out to end the inning.Monica Abbott pitched a perfect top of the seventh, preserving the tie. Facing Fujita in the bottom of the seventh,Kelsey Stewart ended the game with a home run to right field.[32]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada(6) | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | X | 8 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Italy | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 1 | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Lauren Bay-Regula (1–0) LP:Greta Cecchetti (0–4) Home runs: CAN:Jennifer Gilbert (1) ITA: None Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Greta Cecchetti started for Italy, looking for its first win in the tournament.Lauren Bay-Regula started for Canada, awaiting the results of Mexico–Australia to determine their bronze medal match opponent. In the top of the second,Jenn Gilbert hit a home run to left-center field—her first tournament hit—to put Canada in front 1–0. In the third,Joey Lye tripled to the right field corner and tried to score on the next play, but was thrown out at home byGiulia Longhi on a fielder's choice. Canada increased its lead to 2–0 whenLarissa Franklin doubled with two outs to plateVictoria Hayward. In the bottom of the third,Erika Piancastelli singled to center, scoringLaura Vigna for Italy's first and only run of the tournament.Alexia Lacatena relieved Cecchetti in the fifth inning, and Canada added to its lead on a sacrifice fly from Franklin and a single byJenn Salling, who later scored when a throwing error from Lacatena allowedErika Polidori to reach safely. In the sixth, Hayward doubled to center field to add two more runs. Another sacrifice fly from Franklin made it 8–1 Canada. Italy could not score in the bottom of the sixth, and the game ended on the Olympicsrun-ahead rule.[33][34]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Dallas Escobedo (2–2) LP:Kaia Parnaby (1–2) Home runs: MEX:None AUS:Jade Wall (1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FacingKaia Parnaby, Mexico opened the scoring in the second whenSuzy Brookshire tripled to left field to plateBrittany Cervantes, who later scored on a single fromTori Vidales. In the fourth inning, Vidales doubled to scoreTatyana Forbes, who had run for Cervantes after she singled to open the inning.Gabbie Plain came in to replace Parnaby.Chelsea Gonzales singled to score Vidales, and Mexico led 4–0. Mexico would load the bases again butEllen Roberts, relieving Plain, induced a ground out fromNicole Rangel to limit further damage. In the sixth inning,Jade Wall connected for a solo home run to make it 4–1. Escobedo completed the game with a perfect seventh to send Mexico to the bronze medal game.[35][36]
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | X | 3 | 6 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Danielle Lawrie (1–1) LP:Danielle O'Toole (0–2) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Japan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Yukiko Ueno (2–0) LP:Ally Carda (0–1) Boxscore | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
