Team USA loses opener

A comeback went for naught for the United States baseball team in its Beijing Olympics opener on Wednesday. South Korea upset Team USA 8-7, scoring two runs in the bottom of the ninth against closer Jeff Stevens (Indians).

Infielder Matt Hessman (Tigers) homered and first baseman Matt Brown (Angels) hit a two-run single to give the Americans a 7-6 lead in the top half of the ninth. Nate Schierholz (Giants) also hit a solo homer for Team USA (0-1).

USA manager Davey Johnson pulled a surprise and started Brandon Knight (Mets), the oldest player on the American roster at age 32. It didn't work. He allowed six runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings.

The Americans have a quick turnaround and face the Netherlands on Thursday.

Meanwhile in softball, Team USA rolled on. The Americans improved to 2-0 and have yet to allow a hit in the tournament as Cat Osterman pitched a no-hitter in a 3-0 victory over medal-hopeful Australia. Osterman's no-hitter was the second in U.S. Olympic history in a regulation-length game. She struck out 13.

USA will face Canada (2-0) on Thursday.