Olympic softball gold medal game delivers home run for the sport, buzzes on social media
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<p>From media to other softball players, from baseball players to prime ministers, Japan's defence of their Olympic softball gold medal on Tuesday, with a 2-0 win over USA made major soundwaves across social media. In a repeat of the Beijing 2008 final Yukiko Ueno was again the hero and received a lot of the accolades coming Japan's way.</p>
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<p>Baseball also got in on the act, including some Japanese baseball stars:</p>
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<p>And other Japanese athletes.</p>
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<p>Meanwhile, US pitcher Monica Abbott, a member of the All-Olympic team, said she was "proud" of the US team and reflected on what her future options could be. "I have a lot of emotions & thoughts running through my head right now on softball, my life, and my career. Sooo—> sit tight while I give myself some time to digest and put it into words for a later post."</p>
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<p>After finishing as the winning pitcher in the bronze medal game, Canada's Danielle Lawrie, who came out of retirement to participate in the Olympics, shared a simple but powerful message.</p>
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<p>The Mexican team, who finished fourth, gained everybody’s heart in their home country and even Pro Baseball Teams from the Mexican League congratulated them for an amazing debut.</p>
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<p>Also Erika Piancastelli from Italy shared her thoughts on Instagram after she said “Being 15 of the 90 softball women competing”. </p>
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<p>One of the greatest in the game, Stacey Porter, called it her international career after the Olympics. Australia Softball shared this post that recaps an amazing contribution to the discipline. </p>
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<p>To close our recap we can’t find a better way to show you the congratulations message from the office of the Prime Minister of Japan to the winners of the Gold Medal.</p>
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<p><br>The explosion on social media and passion from the players and fans demonstrate that softball is made to be played in the Olympics, the pinnacle sports showcase. </p>
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