x
Breaking News
More () »

US qualifies for Olympics with Japan win at softball worlds

Although Japan will play the U.S. for the championship game on Sunday, the second-place finisher will still get a spot in the Olympics because Japan is already hosting the summer games.
Credit: Takashi Aoyama / AFP / Getty Images
Saki Yamazaki #2 of Japan celebrates with team mates after hitting a three-run inside-the-park home run in the third inning against Canada during their Bronze Medal Game at ZOZO Marine Stadium.

MAKUHARI, Japan (AP) — The United States has qualified for the softball tournament at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after Japan beat Canada 3-0 at the women's world softball championship on Sunday.

By losing to Japan, Canada finishes third in the tournament that doubles as a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Japan plays the U.S. later Sunday in the championship game.

The winner of the tournament will be awarded an Olympic spot. If Japan wins, the second-place finisher will get the Olympic spot because Japan has an automatic berth as host.

Softball and baseball were dropped from the Olympic program after the 2008 Beijing Games but have been restored for 2020.

Yukiko Ueno picked up the win without allowing Canada a real chance to score, striking out seven while giving up four hits and no walks over the distance.

Before You Leave, Check This Out