In the final round of the Tokyo Olympics softball qualifying league, Japan lost to the United States 1 to 2 by goodbye and finished the qualifying league in 2nd place.
The rematch in the final with the gold medal is likely to be the key to the match more than ever, as well as the offense and defense on the ground.
The last match of the qualifying league, which was the outpost of the final.
Japan suffered double-digit strikeouts (12) for the first time in this tournament with three American pitchers, and was limited to only one point due to an opponent's mistake.
And 38-year-old Catherine Osterman and 35-year-old Monica Abbott, who have two billboards, did not start, and Osterman pitched 10 pitches in two-thirds of the innings.
Abbott pitched 9 balls in 1 inning, resulting in an adjusted pitch.
Of these, there was no match with pitcher Osterman for about two years because the international competition was not held due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection.
For this reason, coach Reika Utsugi said after the match, "I didn't have many chances for Osterman, but until now I could only watch the video, so I'm glad I was able to play."
Captain Yamada "leads to the final against three pitchers"
Captain Eri Yamada, who participated in a pinch runner on the 26th, also said, "Being able to play against three pitchers before tomorrow's game will surely lead to the final. I felt that the change in ball speed and changing ball was amazing. So I have to deal with it. I think tomorrow will be able to play a higher level match. "
Starting pitchers Carda and Abbott are playing in the Japanese league, so they are familiar to the national team players, but the American team has another pitcher.
American director "All four pitchers may pitch"
At the press conference, coach Ken Eriksen commented on how to use the pitcher in the final, saying, "Pitcher Carda pitched astoundingly against Japan, so he kept it until this match. Also, pitchers Abbott and Osterman are always long. I'm surprised to be able to throw innings. Pitchers who haven't pitched yet are great, so tomorrow all four pitchers may climb. If I have a chance to beat Japan, I'll do everything I can. " , Suggested that small pitcher relays are also included in the options.
Japan also appointed with a view to the final
On the other hand, Japan also did not let ace pitcher Yukiko Ueno and relief pitcher Nozomi Goto pitch in anticipation of the final, and also participated in the Beijing Olympics 13 years ago at the age of 20, the youngest in the team, with pitcher Ueno and the battery. Yukiyo Mine, who teamed up, was appointed as a starting pitcher for the first time.
There are three catchers in Japan, but in the past four games, Yuka Gazuma wore a starting mask.
Director Utsugi said about starting Mine, "Mine is an experienced catcher, especially with Ueno. To be honest, I thought it would be good for Mine to see the American batting line." It was revealed that it was appointed with a view to.
The rematch in the final with the gold medal is likely to be the key to the match more than ever, as well as the offense and defense on the ground.