Jul 21, 2021

Osterman strikes out 9, US tops Italy 2-0 in softball opener

Posted Jul 21, 2021 6:26 PM

FUKUSHIMA, Japan (AP) — Cat Osterman dominated as the United States began its quest to regain the Olympic softball gold medal.

She pitched one-hit ball over six innings and struck out nine to beat Italy 2-0 13 years after she lost the championship game. Michelle Moultrie singled in a run in the fourth inning for the top-ranked U.S.

The Americans lost the title to Japan 3-1 at Beijing in 2008.

Janie Reed added a sacrifice fly. She is the wife of Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Jake Reed.

Osterman walked none on a humid afternoon with a 94-degree temperature.