ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- The United States Olympic softball team was forced into an extra inning Monday, but remained unbeaten with a 3-0 decision over Japan.
The Americans are the only unbeaten team remaining in the seven-game round-robin phase of the tournament as Team USA goes after its third straight gold medal.
In their first two games, the Americans forced officials to invoke the Olympic seven-run "mercy" rule with wins over Italy and Australia.
But Monday's game was scoreless after the regulation seven innings.
Japan's Juri Takayama carried a no-hitter through seven innings.
As per extra-inning softball rules, the United States started with a baserunner on second base. Stacey Nuveman led off with a bunt that moved Amanda Freed to third and Lovieanne Jung followed with a walk.
Kelly Kretschman then lofted a sacrifice fly to center that scored Freed.
Osterman (1-0) then retired the side in the bottom of the eighth to end the game.
In a matchup of potential medal contenders, China defeated Canada, 4-2. The Canadiens also lost on Sunday to Greece, 2-0.
