2008 Olympic Softball Tournament Recap

Originally published on Mar. 5, 2021

By Zane Miller

On Thursday, August 21st, 2008, Japan defeated the United States 3-1 to win the fourth gold medal in Olympic softball history. It was the first gold medal for Japan in Olympic softball. The United States earned the silver medal, as Australia took bronze after losing to Japan 4-3 in 12 innings. The tournament was held in China, with Beijing as the host city.

2008 Final Standings

1. Japan (6-1, .857) (Gold)

2. United States (7-0, 1.000) (Silver)

3. Australia (5-2, .714) (Bronze)

4. Canada (3-4, .429)

5. Chinese Taipei (2-5, .286)

6. China (2-5, .286)

7. Venezuela (2-5, .286)

8. Netherlands (1-6, .143)

Game Results

Japan starting lineup

1. #5 Ayumi Karino- RF

2. #3 Rei Nishiyama- SS

3. #11 Eri Yamada- CF

4. #25 Satoko Mabuchi- LF

5. #24 Rie Sato- 1B

6. #8 Megu Hirose- 3B

7. #4 Masumi Mishina- 3B

8. #2 Yukiyo Mine- C

9. #7 Motoko Fujimoto- DH

    #17 Yukiko Ueno- P

United States starting lineup

1. #29 Natasha Watley- SS

2. #26 Caitlin Lowe- CF

3. #2 Jessica Mendoza- LF

4. #6 Crystl Bustos- DH

5. #12 Kelly Kretschman- RF

6. #28 Andrea Duran- 3B

7. #33 Stacey Nuveman- C

8. #3 Lovieanne Jung- 2B

9. #11 Tairia Flowers- 1B

   #8 Cat Osterman- P

Australia starting lineup

1. #26 Simmone Morrow- RF

2. #14 Kerry Wyborn- LF

3. #16 Stacey Porter- 3B

4. #8 Sandy Lewis- 2B

5. #21 Natalie Titcume- C

6. #6 Natalie Ward- SS

7. #27 Jodie Bowering- 1B

8. #4 Danielle Stewart- DH

9. #24 Belinda Wright- CF

    #11 Justine Smethurst- P

Link to stats database: https://digital.la84.org/digital/collection/p17103coll8/id/66073/rec/1