Fukushima, Japan - The US women’s softball team won their second-straight game so far in Tokyo, edging out Team Canada on Thursday.

The Americans just squeaked by Canada, defeating them 1-0 in their second Olympic matchup so far. That’s two shutout wins in two straight days to improve to 2-0. Team USA are favorites to win gold and they’re hungry to get back to the top of the podium after falling short to China back in 2008.

Pitcher Monica Abbott (35) led the way with nine strikeouts and only three walks, a similar effort today to teammate Cat Osterman’s efforts just a day prior. Abbott did also pitch in their opener on Wednesday, with three strikeouts at the end of the game on her way to the save. On Thursday, she only allowed Team Canada to muster one hit while she was in the circle.

Team USA got their only run from catcher Amanda Chidester’s fifth-inning RBI single that brought in outfielder Haylie McCleney, who safely reached base all three times she was at the plate.

Abbott is looking to keep up her superb level of play from the last time she played Olympic softball, as a member of the 2008 silver medal US squad. This was also the last time softball was played in the Olympic games. She’s stayed in great form by pitching professionally in both Japan and back home in the US as part of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league.

Team USA will try for three in-a-row when they face Mexico on Saturday.