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The juggernaut U.S. Olympic softball team began their quest for a gold medal in Tokyo with a 2-0 win over Italy. Pitcher Cat Osterman allowed only one hit in a dominant six-inning performance as softball returned to the Games for the first time since 2008.
Former Florida Gator Michelle Moultrie of Jacksonville drove in the first run of the game.
The U.S. team is coached by University of South Florida’s Ken Eriksen.
The game was played in an empty 30,000-seat Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium, conditions due to COVID-19.
The team next plays Canada on Wednesday at 8 p.m.
– Joe Henderson, Extensive Enterprises