Olympic pitchers battle for Japan Softball League title, Monica Abbott named MVP

Olympic pitchers battle for Japan Softball League title, Monica Abbott named MVP
22/11/2018

Superstars Monica Abbot and Yukiko Ueno battled through eight innings for the Japan Softball League championship, but the American left-hander prevailed over the veteran Japanese.

The 51st season of the Japan Softball League had an incredible ending, with a tremendous pitching duel between two of the most outstanding hurlers in the world. Superstars Monica Abbott and Yukiko Ueno battled through eight innings for the championship, but the American left-hander prevailed over the veteran Japanese.

Toyota Motors Red Terriers clinched the Japan Softball League title with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Bic Camera Takasaki Bee Queen in extras. The final was played at Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.

Both aces went scoreless during the seven regular innings, but in the bottom of the eight the Red Terriers sealed the victory. With runners on second and third, Nozomi Nagasaki produced the only run of the game with a walk-off sacrifice fly to left field to clinch the victory.

Both teams proved to be the best teams of the season. Toyota Motors Red Terriers finished the regular season as the top-seeded team with a 20-2 record; while Bic Camera Takasaki Bee Queen was second with 19-3.

Monica Abbott was named the 2018 Japan Softball League MVP. She finished the season unbeaten with 12 wins and 0.23 ERA.