Cat Osterman © Athletes Unlimited, LLC 2021 / Credit: Jenny Jeffries

AU in Tokyo: Cat Osterman strikes out nine in return to Olympic stage

Cat Osterman © Athletes Unlimited, LLC 2021 / Credit: Jenny Jeffries

Alexandra Licata

Jul 21, 2021

Though the Opening Ceremonies for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are not until Friday, July 23, softball began its tournament on Tuesday evening. Following Japan’s defeat of Australia in the opening event, Team Italy faced Team USA, and Team Mexico took on Team Canada.

Not only was it a great night for softball as it made its return to the Olympics for the first time since 2008, but it was also a night that featured many Athletes Unlimited players on the world stage.

Team Italy vs. Team USA

Cat Osterman made her long-awaited return to the Olympic circle as the started for Team USA. The veteran and two-time Olympic medalist struck out nine and held Team Italy to one hit through six innings. In Italy’s circle, Greta Cecchetti was tapped for the start and matched Osterman through the first three innings, holding the U.S. hitless.

.@catosterman with her 5️⃣th strikeout of the game.@TeamUSA x #TokyoOlympics

📺 NBCSN
💻 https://t.co/BqCdPeorGm
📱 NBC Sports App pic.twitter.com/LLRLJSnQDZ

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 21, 2021

Team USA broke through in the fourth as Michelle Moultrie singled to right to drive in the first run of the game and put her team up 1-0.

Ah, you love to see it from the @USASoftballWNT. 😍 #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/AbpqGtI6Iy

— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 21, 2021

Janie Reed sealed the 2-0 victory for Team USA in the fifth with a sacrifice fly to score Aubree Munro.

Team USA goes up 2-0 on the sac fly! #TokyoOlympics | @USASoftball pic.twitter.com/aRAOsl0wUm

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 21, 2021

Team Mexico vs. Team Canada

Sara Groenewegen took the circle for Team Canada, striking out three and tossing four innings of no-hit softball. The offense went to work putting up four runs to defeat Mexico 4-0. Victoria Hayward had two hits and scored twice.

For Team Mexico, Sashel Palacios worked a walk as the team’s first baserunner against Groenewegen.

First win for #TeamCanada at #Tokyo2020 in the books 🙌

The women's softball team defeated Mexico 4-0 💪

They'll be back in action against 🇺🇸 tonight at 8 p.m. ET ⏰ pic.twitter.com/Z4RtiLcmM6

— Team Canada (@TeamCanada) July 21, 2021