Monica Abbott

Sure we're a little biased in Monterey County.
But I can't help wondering why North Salinas graduate Monica Abbott did not start on the mound for the USA softball team in the gold medal game against Japan.
Would she have been the difference in a shocking 3-1 loss to Japan, arguably the biggest upset in this years Olympic games?
It certainly begs the question.
In two previous outings against Japan, Abbott had tossed 13 innings without allowing an earned run, giving up one hit while striking out 17.
All she had done in the Olympics was throw a perfect game and was nearly unhittable in her outings for Team USA.
Oh, Abbott got in the game -- in the sixth inning when Team USA was trailing 2-1.
And she did commit an error that enabled Japan to produce an insurance run. This is a team loss.
And Silver will look good on her mantel. But with no softball in the Olympics for at least eight years, it's a long time to ponder this decision.