Things to know about the softball competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics:
THE ABSOLUTE BASICS
Softball temporarily returns to the Olympics after losing its permanent spot following Beijing in 2008. Six women’s teams are competing, including reigning champions Japan, Australia, Canada, Italy, Mexico and United States.
They will play each other once over six days, with games lasting seven innings. The two teams with the best records will face off for gold.
A ‘mercy rule’ will see non-medal games end if one team leads by 15 runs or more after three innings, 10 runs or more after four innings, or seven runs or more after five innings.
HOW MANY MEDALS?
One gold medal up for …
Keep on reading: EXPLAINER: Softball at Tokyo Olympics