Japan upset their hosts
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Japan beat the United States 11-2 on Thursday, denying the hosts their expected place in the final against Cuba, who beat Nicaragua 8-1.
"We have been looking forward to playing Cuba for the gold medal for 12 years." the Japan coach, Katsuji Kawashimahe, said. "We played almost perfectly."
Nicaragua and the United States now play for the bronze.
"They kept us off balance. We never really hit the ball hard all day," America's coach, Skip Bertman, said.
Kris Benson, America's best pitcher, was pounded for eight hits and four earned runs in four-plus innings, giving up a solo home run to Hideaki Okubo and a two-run second-inning shot to Makoto Imaoka which gave Japan a 3-0 lead.
Benson appeared to settle down but ran into trouble in the fifth inning when Takayuki Takabayashi led off with a home run. When Yasuyuki Saigo followed with a single, Bertman removed Benson in favour of Jeff Weaver but with little more success.
In 1984, when baseball became a demonstration sport at the Los Angles Olympics, Japan won the gold with the United States taking silver. In 1988 at Seoul, the Americans won gold and Japan silver. At Barcelona four years ago Japan earned a bronze with Cuba taking gold and Taiwan silver. The Americans were fourth.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments