Chidester’s game-winning hit gives USA fourth consecutive win in Tokyo 2020
25/07/2021 2 Minute Read

Chidester’s game-winning hit gives USA fourth consecutive win in Tokyo 2020

Monica Abbott struck out 13 in eight innings of work, including 4 Ks with runners in scoring position, while giving up 3 hits and 1 unearned run (the tie-break runner).

Designated player Amanda Chidester delivered a 2-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to give USA their fourth consecutive win in Tokyo 2020, a 2-1 walk off victory over Australia. Monica Abbott and Tarni Stepto engaged in a dramatic pitching duel on Sunday morning at Yokohama Baseball Stadium, as USA and Australia - the only two teams with a medal in each of the four previous Olympics - opened day 4 of the Tokyo 2020 softball competition. 

Haylie McCleney led off for USA with her seventh hit in five games, a triple to right field to put herself 60 feet away from home plate. Moments later, she tried to score on a grounder to shortstop, but Clare Warwick made a perfect play and threw her out at home plate. McCleney went 2-for-2 and improved her batting average to a tournament leading .727.

Australia loaded the bases in the top of the sixth inning, with a Leigh Godfrey single and a pair of walks. However, pinch hitter Michelle Cox was struck out watching for the third out of the inning and Abbott escaped the jam with no damage.

The game remained tied after seven complete innings, and Australia scored first in the top of the eighth. Godfrey advanced the tie-break runner to third with a sacrifice bunt, Stacey Porter was intentionally walked and Taylah Tsitsikronis drew a walk to load the bases. Abbott retired Chelse Forkin on strikes, but then walked in the first run of the game.

In the bottom of the eighth, red-hot McCleney hit a grounder to shortstop and beat the throw to first base to put two runners on. Janie Reed bunted to put the runners in scoring position, and Chidester delivered a single down the middle to bring in both the game tying and winning runs for USA, much to the joy of her teammates.

Abbott struck out 13 in eight innings of work, including 4 Ks with runners in scoring position, while giving up 3 hits and 1 unearned run (the tie-breaking runner). She totals 17 innings pitched in the tournament with no earned runs allowed, and leads the event with 28 strikeouts.  

The losing pitcher was Stepto, who tossed 7.1 frames allowing 2 runs (1 earned) and 5 hits, with 3 strikeouts.

USA, who will be in the gold medal game with Japan if the hosts beat Canada in Sunday's second game, face the Beijing 2008 Olympic gold medallists tomorrow in their last game of the opening round, while Australia will close their opening round against Mexico, vying for a spot in the Bronze Medal Game.