Japan's all-professional team out-powered newcomers Canada 11-2 to win the Olympic baseball bronze medal, restoring some of their pride following a shocking 1-0 semi-final loss to Australia.
It was Japan's third Olympic baseball medal following bronze in 1992 and silver in 1996. Japan finished fourth in Sydney when professionals were allowed to play in the Olympics for the first time.
Following the disaster, Japan formed an all-professional team for the first time for the Athens Games.
Canada, beefed up by players from the US minor leagues, finished fourth in their first Olympic outing since the game became an official sport at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Filed by Bree Treacy
