Rei Nishiyama singled home the game-winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning Wednesday, lifting Japan to a 4-3 victory over Australia for a rematch with the United States in the softball final at the Beijing Olympics.
The game appeared to be over again and again and in the end it was a matter of who wanted it more. Japan, which is aiming for its first Olympic gold, will meet the Americans in Thursday's gold medal match. Australia had to settle for the bronze medal.
Natalie Ward doubled home a run to break a 2-2 tie in the top of the 11th, only for Satoko Mabuchi to hit a bloop single to left to retie the game at 3-3 in the bottom half.