Softball > Day by Day Recap

Japanese pitcher Yukiko Ueno was simply marvelous in the gold-medal game, tossing a five-hitter in the squad's 3-1 win. It was the first U.S. loss since Sept. 21, 2000, snapping a 22-game winning streak in Olympic contests.

Crystl Bustos' home run in the ninth inning powered the U.S. over Japan, 4-1, in the semifinals. Later in the day, Japan bested Australia in the other semifinal to setup a U.S.-Japan rematch for the gold.

Team USA routed China in five innings, 9-0, as the final day of round-robin play ended. Masterful pitching performances by Cat Osterman (3 innings) and Jennie Finch (2) shut down China. Also, the Netherlands recorded its first win -- meaning there would be no winless teams in Beijing.

Monica Abbott tossed a five-inning perfect game and her offense piled up plenty of runs as the Americans won their sixth game in an 8-0 final over the Netherlands. Crystl Bustos, Jessica Mendoza and Tairia Flowers all homered. Also, Australia staged a late rally to upend Canada.

Jennie Finch spearheaded a five-inning, 7-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, scattering two hits and tallying six strikeouts. Elsewhere in Beijing, Japan beat China; Australia blanked the Netherlands; and Venezuela knocked off Canada.

Jessica Mendoza led an offensive surge with two home runs for the U.S. in a 7-0 win over Japan. Thirty minutes later, the Americans finished their rain-delayed game with Canada; Cat Osterman shined in the circle and keyed the 8-1 triumph.

A Beijing rainstorm wreaked havoc with the softball schedule on this day, postponing the U.S.-Canada game after three innings. Also, China took its first loss of the tournament via a 3-1 decision with Australia.

Cat Osterman threw a no-hitter as the Americans edged Australia, 3-0. The left-hander fanned 31 batters and the U.S. won its 16th straight Olympic contest. China, Japan and Canada also picked up victories.

The United States began its title defense by trouncing Venezuela, 11-0. It was the first of five U.S. games shortened to five innings because of the mercy rule.