DANNY VALENCIA

Yuki Yanagita tied it with an RBI grounder off Scott McGough in the ninth inning, Takuya Kai hit a winning single against Edwin Jackson in the 10th and Japan beat the United States 7-6 Monday night to reach the Olympic semifinals.

Yuki Yanagita tied it with an RBI grounder off Scott McGough in the ninth inning, Takuya Kai hit a winning single against Edwin Jackson in the 10th and Japan beat the United States 7-6 Monday night to reach the Olympic semifinals.

Israel staved off elimination against Mexico to advance to Round 2 of the Olympic baseball tournament.

Olympic baseballs enjoy 30-second mud baths, get top-notch treatment and have been called the best in the world by at least one U.S. player.

Tyler Austin drove in three runs and Olympic short-track speedskating medalist Eddy Alvarez drove in two as the U.S. baseball team opened its Olympic campaign with an 8-1 win over Israel.