Osterman, Team USA fall at 2019 Japan All-Star Series

Texas State associate head coach Cat Osterman and Team USA came up short in the 2019 Japan All-Star Series over the weekend, 2-1.

Team USA dropped the first game Friday, 6-4, in Sendai, Japan, though Osterman did not enter the game. She made her first appearance in game two Saturday, pitching the final four innings. Osterman entered the game with Team USA up 7-1 and gave up just three hits and an unearned run while striking out four on 82 pitches to claim the win.

The coach couldn’t close out in the series finale Sunday in Tokyo, though. USA and Japan were deadlocked at 0-0 when Osterman stepped in to strike out the final batter of the fifth inning. The teams went two more frames without surrendering a run, sending the game into extra innings.

Under the international tie-breaker rule, a runner is placed on second base to begin the eighth inning. Team USA wasn’t able to capitalize, with its lead runner advancing no further than third base. Osterman allowed a single in the bottom of the frame to bring in the winning run from third base, ending the game at 1-0, Japan.

"It is an honor to wear red, white and blue again," Osterman said in a statement. "With each day and each game, I am getting more comfortable and finding my rhythm. It has been a great experience getting to know and compete with this team."

Osterman and Team USA will return home for the USA Softball International Cup in Columbus, Georgia, taking place July 1-7. The team will face off with the Philippines, China, Chinese Tapei, Peru, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Scrap Yard Softball, USSSA Pride and the USA U19 team.