USA edge out Japan

Osterman struck out 11 batters in her first Olympic start, while Takayama kept the Americans hitless through the regulation seven innings.

But Japan, who had vowed revenge for a narrow 2-1 loss at the Sydney Games, tasted another bitter defeat.

"After the first couple of pitches, I thought like I was in a groove," said Osterman, who was credited with a win.

Takayama added: "This was a hard loss to take."

In other action, China rallied for four runs in the sixth inning to beat Canada 4-2, Greece defeated Italy 2-1 and Australia shut out Taiwan 1-0, handing the Taiwanese their third loss in a row