The veteran ace -- who led Japan to the 2008 gold medal -- is expected to be out for three weeks. All games are being live-streamed through JSL’s website.

The beginning of the Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay in Japan is particularly symbolic for baseball and softball athletes and fans around the world, as the bat-and-ball sports are set to return to the Olympics for the first time since 2008.

“Our team has done a very good job of staying focused on their training goals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said head coach Mark Smith.

Head coach Reika Utsugi announced the 15 athletes to represent Japan in softball’s much-awaited Olympic return in Tokyo. "I want to believe in the players and do my best, with all my heart, so I can meet everyone's expectations," she said.

Italian Baseball Softball Federation President Andrea Marcon and head coach Pizzolini have two goals for the team: "To win the European championship again, and then a medal at the Olympics."

During an interview with Tokyo 2020 website, Utsugi made clear the fundamentals of her game philosophy. She will announce the 15-athlete list for Tokyo on Tuesday, 23 March.

USA Softball spent two weeks in Clearwater where they played seven games. Mexico will play the University of Oklahoma in a three-game series from 19-21 March at Marita Hynes Field.

Utsugi recently gave some hints about Japan's final roster selection.

The Azzurre will train together from 20-27 March in Ronchi dei Legionari, Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, to continue preparing for the Games in Japan.

The USA Softball Women’s National Team scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth to come from behind and grab the third game of the series.