FUKUSHIMA –– Despite taking an early lead in the opening game of the 2022 Japan All-Star Series, the world-ranked No. 1 USA Softball Women’s National Team (WNT) dropped a 2-1 decision to No. 2 Japan after a walk-off fielder’s choice allowed the Japanese to claim the first win of the three-game series. Another closely fought battle between the top-ranked teams, tonight’s matchup featured solid defense from both squads with the U.S. working its way out of four innings with Japanese runners on base while Japan pitcher, Mio Guto, limited the Team USA offense to five hits.?

Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and 2022 World Games gold medalist Ally Carda got the start in the circle for the U.S. while Team USA rookies Kelly Maxwell, Kathryn Sandercock and Megan Faraimo each saw time in the circle through the final three innings of the game. Highlighting the U.S. offense was Grace Lyons who repped the Red, White and Blue for the first time tonight with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate followed by Kayla Kowalik, Kiki Milloy and Maya Brady with one hit apiece.

Signifying as a one-year celebration of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the U.S. and Japan will return to Azuma Stadium tomorrow, Sunday, August 7 at 2 p.m. JST (12 a.m. CT) before capping the three-game series on Monday, August 8 at 7 p.m. JST (5 a.m. CT) at Yokohama Stadium – host of the Tokyo Olympic gold medal game. Returning to the Olympic softball venues of the 2020 Olympic Games – Azuma Stadium and Yokohama Stadium – the Japan All-Star Series has provided an exciting experience for fans since its inception in 2016 where over 31,000 fans packed the Tokyo Dome while 2017 saw 15,000 fans in the stands at Yokohama Stadium.

Live stats will be available during the remaining two games of the Japan All-Star Series, and fans at home can follow along with recaps and more at USASoftball.com.