U.S. Softball opens up first Olympics in 13 years with a win

Pitching ace Cat Osterman was in fine form Tuesday as the United States shut out Italy 2-0 in their Olympic opener. 

The 38-year-old came out of retirement for one last shot at the Olympics after winning gold in 2004 and silver in 2008. She pitched six innings, not allowing a single run and striking out nine while facing only three batters over the minimum.

.@catosterman with her 5️⃣th strikeout of the game.@TeamUSA x #TokyoOlympics

📺 NBCSN
💻 https://t.co/BqCdPeorGm
📱 NBC Sports App pic.twitter.com/LLRLJSnQDZ

— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 21, 2021

The first run for Team USA in the Olympics in 13 years came in the fourth inning as Michelle Moultrie hit a single to drive in Valerie Arioto, putting the U.S. up 1-0.

.@TeamUSA 🇺🇸 scores their first run at the #TokyoOlympics!

📺 NBCSN
💻 https://t.co/BqCdPeorGm
📱 NBC Sports App pic.twitter.com/MBphYLNl8w

— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 21, 2021

Then, in the fifth, a sac fly by Janie Reed brought home Aubree Munro to double the lead and put Team USA up 2-0.

Team USA goes up 2-0 on the sac fly! #TokyoOlympics | @USASoftball pic.twitter.com/aRAOsl0wUm

— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) July 21, 2021

The U.S. now joins Japan and Canada atop the standings through the first games of round-robin play.

The team is looking to claim their fourth gold medal after losing to Japan in the final and coming away with silver in Beijing. 

The U.S. will play Canada Wednesday, July 21 at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN.