Thirteen years since they met in the bronze medal game at the Beijing Olympics, an Olympic baseball medal is back on the line when the United States and Japan meet in Yokohama on Saturday. This time, however, the medal at stake is of a different metal with the two teams within a victory of gold.
The reunion of two baseball superpowers would normally be a great story in itself, but there are several added layers of intrigue that should make the gold medal game compelling.
The United States is looking to capture a first Olympic gold since defeating Cuba 4-0 in Sydney 21 years ago, while there could be no more fitting end to Japan’s quest for a first Olympic title than to win gold at home.
A gold medal for Japan would complete a perfect double for the host nation, which defeated the US to finish it top of the podium in softball, and vindicate the organizers’ decision to include both sports in the Olympic program for the first time. time since 2008.
Japan narrowly beat Team USA 7-6 when the two teams met in the second round and remain undefeated in the tournament, while the loss was Team USA’s only defeat at the Olympics. up to now.
Despite being made up of a mix of prospects and released veterans, Team USA has grown stronger throughout the tournament and on Thursday defeated defending champions South Korea 7-2 to reserve a spot in the game for the gold medal for the second time in history.
“The bottom line: It says the US on our jersey and these guys are playing for a gold medal this weekend,” US manager Mike Scioscia told NBC after the game.
“There is nothing better than that. ”
Reaching the final was particularly significant for Eddy Alvarez, who will become the third American to win a medal at the Summer and Winter Olympics after claiming silver in 2014 in Sochi as part of the US four-man short track team. USA
Japan, meanwhile, reached the final after defeating South Korea 5-2 on Wednesday courtesy of Tetsuto Yamada’s three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Unlike the USA, Japan halted their great league season so their best players can compete.This is a short summary.
