Tireless Ueno pitches Japan into final
BEIJING (Reuters) - Despite pitching the equivalent of three regulation games in one day, pitcher Yukiko Ueno said she was ready to go at it again on Thursday when Japan face the United States for the gold medal in Olympic softball.
The talented right-hander tossed an unthinkable 21 innings over two extra-inning games on Wednesday to lift Japan into the championship round against the favored Americans.
Ueno's remarkable endurance and determination was matched by the quality of her effort, the fireballer recording 17 shutout innings in her 21 frames of sparkling work against the U.S. and Australia.
"After throwing this many innings I am feeling some fatigue," admitted Ueno. "But right now I am so excited that I don't feel tired but I know I have some fatigue in my arm that must be taken care of.
"But if I am asked to pitch tomorrow I will be ready."
One of only two pitchers to toss a perfect game in Olympic competition, Ueno is almost certain to be given the starting assignment in Thursday's game.
It will mark the third time Japan and the U.S. have clashed in Beijing, the triple Olympic champion Americans winning both contests, including 7-0 thumping in the preliminary round.
But over the years Japan has been one of the few teams to provide the U.S. with an occasional battle, taking six wins in 18 games in international competition since 2004.
Ueno was on the rubber for four of those victories.
While Major League managers carefully monitor pitch counts and closers earn millions of dollars for working a single inning or less a game, Ueno began her day early in the morning pitching nine innings against the U.S. and finished in under the lights with 12 against Australia.
Japan lost to the U.S. 4-0 but came back to bounce Australia 4-3 and earn a title shot.
"I was told by my manager after the U.S. game I would play against Australia," she said. "In the extra-innings against Australia I tried not give up that first hit. That was a lesson learned from the United States."
(Editing by Steve Ginsburg)
