KISSIMMEE, Fl – Baseball Canada’s national senior team was edged 4-2 today in a tight exhibition game against the U.S. national team as both squads prepare for the 2006 COPABE Americas Olympic Qualifier next week. Canada out-hit the Americans 8-6, but stranded nine runners while the Americans hit the ball hard to produce three of their four runs behind two solo-homeruns and a triple. After Sebastien Boucher (Ottawa, Ont.) drove in Pierre Luc Laforest with a single to right field in the top-half of the second inning, U.S. right fielder Bryan LaHair hit a 420-foot homerun off of Canadian starter Mike Meyers (London, Ont.) to tie the game at 1-1 going into the third. The Americans scored twice more in the third inning thanks to a solo-shot to left field from shortstop Brandon Wood and an RBI-groundout by third baseman Mike Kinkade that scored centerfielder Skip Schumaker from third base. U.S designated hitter Jarrod Saltalamacchia tripled off the wall in straight-away centre with two out in the bottom of the sixth inning to send Allen home from first base for the fourth American run. Canadian designated hitter/right fielder Jeremy Ware (Guelph, Ont.) drove a solo bomb over the wall in left field to cut the lead in half midway through the eighth inning but the Canucks would get no closer. Second baseman Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, B.C.) singled and third baseman Emerson Frostad (Vancouver, B.C.) doubled to lead-off the ninth inning, but American closer Henry Owens stuck out the next two batters and induced a fly-ball to left to end the game. Canada got an impressive showing out of its bullpen as Cory Stuart (Surrey, B.C.), Michel Simard (Charlesbourg, Qué.), Jonathan Lockwood (Toronto, Ont.) and Brett Gray (Petrolia, Ont.) combined to allow only one earned run behind three hits and no walks in the final five innings of play. Canada’s final tune-up before heading to the Olympic Qualifier, which begins Aug. 25 in Havana, Cuba, comes Wednesday against the United States. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST. Box Score
Québec took home the 2006 Baseball Canada Cup Bronze Medal title, while B.C. came away with a third place finish at the Bantam Girls Championship. At the Cup, after falling to Ontario 2-1 in the day’s first semi final game, Québec regrouped to defeat New Brunswick 11-1, and claim the tournament’s Bronze Medal. Québec designated hitter Luis Argumedes went 3-for-4, with 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored in the victory. New Brunswick reached the Bronze Medal match after falling to B.C. 7-4 in the second semi-final, in which B.C. third baseman Brett Lawrie turned in a 3-for-4 performance. In other Sunday Cup action, Nova Scotia beat Newfoundland/Labrador 3-1; Manitoba came out on top 11-7 against rival Alberta, and Saskatchewan out-slugged P.E.I. 22-11, all in consolation placement games. Highlights from the games included: Manitoba shortstop Mike Mutcheson was 4-for-5, with 1 RBI, and scored twice in a tight battle with Alberta. Saskatchewan’s outfield, left fielder Michael Jordan, centre fielder Ryan Stevenson, and right fielder Braden Baumi, combined for an impressive 12 RBI, while leadoff hitter Jon Cotter scored six times. For more information, please visit www.baseball.ca/cup/ In Bantam Girls final day competition, B.C. took home the bronze medal after topping Manitoba 16-6, who lost earlier to Silver Medal winners Saskatchewan 6-5 in the second semi final game. British Columbia first baseman Katelyn Bedwell went 3-for-3, with 2 RBI to help her team solidify third place. B.C. fell to eventual Gold Medal winners Alberta 9-7 in the day’s first semi-final game. Alberta third baseman Meagan Cornellson went 2-for-3, with 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored in the win. In placement games, Québec defeated Ontario 7-1, and Newfoundland and Labrador beat host Grande Prairie 21-13. Highlights from those games include Québec second baseman Sara-Kim Sergerie, who went 3-for-4, as well as Newfoundland/Labrador pitcher/shortstop/catcher Michelle Rideout, who turned in a 3-for-5, 5 RBI performance. For more information, please visit www.baseball.ca/bantamgirls/
Ontario captured the 2006 Baseball Canada Cup, while Alberta took home the Bantam Girls Championship crown, defeating B.C. and Saskatchewan, respectively, in gold medal action. Ontario was victorious in their bid for the 2006 Baseball Canada Cup, defeating B.C. 4-2 in the Gold Medal Game. Ontario centre fielder Leslie Williams was 1-for-3 with 2 RBI in the game, while pitchers Cameron Gray and Corey Pappel combined to surrender just six hits and two runs, striking out nine. B.C. catcher Warren Demoskoff and second baseman Kyle Prevett both contributed with 2-for-4 performances in the loss. For more information on the 2006 Baseball Canada Cup, please visit www.baseball.ca/cup/ Alberta overcame a strong Saskatchewan team 7-5 in an exciting extra inning match-up, prevailing with two runs in the top of the eighth inning. Alberta starting pitcher Meagan Cornellson hurled all eight innings for the complete game victory, surrendering just six hits, five runs, and striking out five. Saskatchewan centre fielder/third baseman Sarah Bachart went 2-for-4, with 2 RBI, while pitcher Melissa Armstrong contributed with a solid five inning start, fanning 10 hitters, and helping her team take home the Silver Medal. For complete tournament results and box scores, please visit www.baseball.ca/bantamgirls/ Congratulations to all team who competed, and special thanks to both Grande Prairie and Medicine Hat for hosting their particular tournaments.
KISSIMMEE, FL – Baseball Canada’s national senior team lost 9-1 to Puerto Rico, Sunday, in the squad’s first of three exhibition games in preparation for the Americas Olympic Qualifier next week. The test, which was part of Canada’s five-day training camp came less than 24 hours after players arrived in Kissimmee from their respective clubs in Canada, the United States and as far away as Taiwan. Ben Van Iderstine (Regina, Sask.) accounted for the lone Canadian run with a solo-home run to left-centre field in the top of the sixth. Puerto Rico meanwhile, was a free-swinging bunch, doing most of their damage early in the count. After Canadian starter Aaron Myette (New Westminster, B.C.) gave up one un-earned run in the first inning, the Puerto Ricans scored four in the second behind a hit batsman, two doubles a pair of singles and a sacrifice fly to jump out to a 5-0 lead. Canada threatened by getting their first two runners on in both the third and fifth innings, but failed to score both times. The Puerto Ricans piled on three more runs in the sixth inning for the 9-1 final. Sebastien Boucher (Ottawa, Ont.) was 2-for-3 and was hit twice while Matt Rogelstad (Coquitlam, B.C.) was 1-for-4 with a double. Canada’s next exhibition match-up comes against the United States, Tuesday, at the Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, Fl. Game time is scheduled for 11 a.m. Box Score
The playoff picture at both the 2006 Baseball Canada Cup and Bantam Girls Championship has become clear with the completion of Saturday’s games. First looking at the Cup, third place Pool A finisher Ontario (2-2) will take on Pool A second place finisher Québec (3-1) in the first semi final game, to be played 9:30 AM Sunday at Jeffries Park. The other semi-final, set for 10:30 AM, also at Athletic Park, will showcase Pool B first place team New Brunswick (4-0) up against British Columbia (3-1), the top team from Pool A. Clinching first place after defeating Alberta 11-9 in extra innings, B.C. right fielder Derek Sinke went 3-for-4, with 2 RBI, also scoring the game’s winning run in the top of the seventh inning. Despite having the same tournament record as Québec, B.C. merited first place by winning their head-to-head match-up. The Bronze and Gold Medal Games are scheduled for 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM respectively, and will both take place at Athletic Park, Sunday. In addition, Sunday will also bare Newfoundland/Labrador (0-4) versus Nova Scotia (1-3), Manitoba (2-2) up against Alberta (0-3), and Saskatchewan (2-2) versus Prince Edward Island (3-1), all in placement games. In other Saturday Cup action, Nova Scotia beat Newfoundland and Labrador 6-3 on the heels of centre fielder Jeremy Wade’s 2-for-4 performance in the contest. For full box scores, schedules, and other information, please visit www.baseball.ca/cup/ Turning to the Bantam Girls Championship, after a dominating 39-0 win over host Grande Prairie, B.C. clinched possession of first place in Pool B, and will play Alberta (2-1) 9:00 AM Sunday morning at Field 1 in the first semi-final. B.C. centre fielder Toni Schutte and first baseman Melissa Ross each contributed with 6 RBI in the shortened five-inning game. The second semi-final, set for 9:00 AM at Field 2, will showcase Pool B second place finisher Manitoba (3-1) versus Pool A first place team Saskatchewan (3-0). Manitoba secured its spot in the semis by defeating Nova Scotia 16-6 Saturday afternoon. Leadoff hitter Candis Mullin was 3-for-4 in the contest, leading the Manitoba offence. The winners will face off in the tournament final, set for 6:00 PM Sunday, while the Bronze medal game is scheduled for 3:00 PM, both at Field 1. In addition, two placement games will take place: Québec (1-2) versus Ontario (2-2), and Newfoundland and Labrador (0-3) versus host Grande Prairie (1-3). For more information on the Bantam Girls Championship, please visit www.baseball.ca/bantamgirls/
In more Friday action from the 2006 Baseball Canada Cup, New Brunswick improved their record to 3-0, first defeating Newfoundland and Labrador 14-4, and later topping Manitoba 11-3. New Brunswick third baseman Brett Tracy-Gould went 4-for-5, driving in three, and scoring twice to help propel his team past the pesky Newfoundland and Labrador squad. In their win against Manitoba, N.B. right fielder Joel Arbeau’s three-run home run capped off a five-run third inning, which saw New Brunswick send eight hitters to the plate, paving the way for the victory. In addition, P.E.I. stayed on pace in their bid to remain atop the Pool B standings, drawing even with New Brunswick and remaining 3-0, after coming away with an 8-3 victory over Nova Scotia. P.E.I. starting pitcher Rob Phalen hurled a complete game six hitter, striking out five, and only walking two. In other action, British Columbia came away with an extra inning 4-2 win versus Ontario, evening their tournament record to 1-1 thus far. A one out, 2 RBI single by pinch hitter Peter Dekker gave B.C. the lead, and a scoreless eighth secured the extra-inning complete game win for B.C. pitcher Dan Britton-Foster. As well, in a battle between two unbeaten teams, Quebec out-lasted Saskatchewan 11-3, improving to 3-0, and claiming first place in Pool A. Third baseman/first baseman Philippe Delisle stepped up as Quebec’s offensive catalyst, driving in five runs with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate. In the day’s final match up, Ontario shutout Alberta 14-0 in five innings, and improved to 1-2 on the tournament. Catcher Steven Bane sparked the Ontario offence, going 2-for-3 at the plate, and driving in an impressive six runs. For more information and complete box scores from the 2006 Baseball Canada Cup, please visit the championship website at www.baseball.ca/cup/
Bantam Girls Friday afternoon action saw a number of key match ups: Alberta defeated Quebec 7-4, evening both teams’ records at 1-1 in Pool A; Manitoba edged Ontario 6-5, creating a log jam in the middle of Pool B with both teams sporting a 2-1 record; Saskatchewan mightily took care of Newfoundland/Labrador 23-4; and host Grande Prairie registered their first tournament win with a 17-4 victory over Nova Scotia. Highlights from the games included: Alberta right fielder Royal Richardson went 2-for-4, with 2 RBI, helping her team cross the plate four times in the final inning to defeat Quebec. Manitoba relief pitcher Shaelyn Tritthart pitched three innings of no hit ball to help secure a come-from-behind win over a dominating Ontario team. Tritthart took over for starter Samantha Harms, who surrendered five earned runs over four innings of work. Saskatchewan starting pitcher April Pratt threw a condensed five-inning complete game, giving up just one hit, four runs, and striking out 12 in an impressive outing. The win puts Sask. atop the Pool A standings at 2-0. Host Grand Prairie catcher, Courtney Gogorich, went 3-for-5 at the plate, with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored in their win over Nova Scotia. For more information, and complete box scores, please visit the Bantam Girls Championship website at www.baseball.ca/bantamgirls/
KISSIMME, FL. – Baseball Canada announced, today, its roster for the 2006 COPABE Americas Olympic Qualifier beginning August 25 in Havana, Cuba as the federation aims to earn its second consecutive Olympic berth.
A number of pivotal games were played, Saturday, in both the Baseball Canada Cup and Bantam Girls Championship. In Day 3 Canada Cup action, Manitoba evened their record at 2-2 by defeating Newfoundland and Labrador 12-0 in five innings. Starting pitcher Brendan Johnson surrendered just one hit, no runs, no walks, and fanned six for the complete game victory. British Columbia edged Quebec 5-3 in 1:00 PM action from Athletic Park, handing Quebec their first loss in the tournament thus far. Improving to 2-1, B.C. left fielder Greg Wallace’s second inning 3 RBI double to right-centre highlighted the offence. In other Cup competition, New Brunswick defeated P.E.I. 7-3, while Ontario doubled up on Saskatchewan for a 10-5 win. For more information, complete box scores, schedules, and standings, please visit the 2006 Baseball Canada Cup website at www.baseball.ca/cup/ Turning to Bantam Girls action, B.C. maintained their undefeated record and Pool B lead by defeating Ontario 11-6. B.C. second baseman Laura Gordon contributed with a 2-for-3 performance, driving in three runs. In Pool A, Saskatchewan solidified their spot atop the standings, narrowly defeating Quebec 11-10. Sask. centre fielder Sarah Bachart led her team, going 2-for-4 at the plate with 2 RBI, and 1 run scored. In other action, Alberta improved to 2-1, trumping Newfoundland/Labrador 21-2 in yet another mercy rule shortened game. Shortstop Kendra Miller and second baseman Kristen Heisler helped secure the victory with three hits apiece. For more information on the Bantam Girls Championship from Grande Prairie, Alta. please visit www.baseball.ca/bantamgirls/
British Columbia and Ontario continued their torrid offensive pace on Day 2 of the Bantam Girls Championship, both improving to 2-0 by defeating Nova Scotia and Grande Prairie 17-0 and 27-0 respectively. B.C. pitchers Allison Pepper and Jesse Bears combined to throw a no hitter in a mercy rule-shortened four-and-a-half-inning game. Ontario’s second baseman Katie MacPherson was 3-for-4, with 3 RBI, and 3 runs scored, while centre fielder Katie Paculta went 3-for-3, with 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored in the sixth shortened game of the tournament thus far. In late Day 1 Thursday Bantam Girl’s action, Manitoba evened their record to 1-1 with a 15-4 win over host Grande-Prairie. Manitoba’s performance was highlighted by pitcher/left fielder Candis Mullin and shortstop Allysa Shupe, who both smacked four hits in the victory. For more information, please visit the championship website at www.baseball.ca/bantamgirls.ca/
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