YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — A Japanese team of All-Stars fulfilled a determined national mission to win the Olympic baseball gold medal for the first time, beating the United States 2-0 behind Munetaka Murakami's third-inning home run.
Masato Morishita and four relievers combined on a six-hitter, and the Japanese men matched the accomplishment of the women's softball team, which upended the Americans for their second straight gold.
Several hundred people who appeared to be Olympic volunteers cheered on Japan in a largely empty 34,000-capacity Yokohama Stadium, some wearing orange Japan jerseys and matching facemasks on the warm and humid night.