Cary, NC - Canada started day 3 of the International Women’s Baseball Series with only one win shy of winning the tournament. After an early loss to the Americans, Canada came back strong by defeating Japan 6-2 to win this first edition of this series in preparation for the 2008 World Cup.
In the first game of the day, the Americans scored five runs in the 6th inning and won the game by the score of 6-2. Autumn Mills (London, ON) got the loss for Canada. Martine Nadeau (Québec, QC) started the game for Canada working five innings, allowing only 2 hits while striking out five.
Team Canada took the lead in the 3rd inning with RBI’s from Amanda Asay (Prince George, BC) and Samantha Magalas (Burlington, ON).
In the last game of the tournament, Canada scored three runs in the third inning in a 6-2 win over Japan. Marie-Josée Tremblay (St-Honoré, QC) was credited for the win coming in relief for Melissa Armstrong (Saskatoon, SK) in the 5th inning. Vanessa Riopel (Repentigny, QC) earned her first save wearing the Canada uniform.
Karine Gagné (Granby, QC) with 3 for 3 and 1 RBI was the leader offensively for Canada while Amanda Asay (Prince George, BC) and Stéphanie Savoie (La Pocatière, QC) also produced runs for the national team.
“We came here with the idea of trying different things in preparation for 2008 and I am very pleased with what I saw. We showed once again that our team can compete with the best in the world” said Manager André Lachance at the conclusion of the event.
Team USA finishes in second place with a 3-3 record while Japan finishes 3rd with a 2-4 record.
