Pitcher Justin Schofield had 13 strikeouts while catcher Bryan Abrey went three-for-three with three RBI’s to help Canada win their tournament opener over Hong Kong, China at the Men’s World Cup Group B Qualifiers in Prince Albert on Wednesday night.
The Canadians knocked off Hong Kong 7-1 on day one of the round robin at Rotary Field, but before that happened the opening ceremonies saw some local dignitaries welcome teams and fans from around the world to the Gateway to the North.
The ceremony began with the introduction of teams followed by a opening prayer from Elder Leonard Ermine and short speeches from MLA Alana Ross, Mayor Greg Dionne, and WBSC Softball Chair Craig Cress.
“We’re very happy to be back here again in Prince Albert, Canada for the WBSC Men’s World Cup Group B,” said Cress. “Six years ago in this very location, the WBSC and softball fans from around the world enjoyed the hospitality and warm welcome from the Prince Albert community for the U18 Men’s Softball World Cup in 2018. Now, we’re coming back for the biggest men’s softball competition in the world. Not only for Group B this year, but also for an exciting eighteenth final to be held here in 2025.”
Followed by Cress was the ceremonial first pitch, which was thrown by Prince Albert Sports Hall of Famer Bruce Vance.
With temperature’s hovering over 30 degrees come first pitch, the heat didn’t seem to faze Canada’s starting pitcher Schofield as he struck out the side to begin the game.
In the top of the second inning, the Canadian right-hander struck out the lead off batter for his fourth straight K, however, Wai Leong Wong broke the streak and managed a double in the next at bat, which was the only hit Schofield allowed in the contest. The Grand Pré, N.S. native then proceeded to strike out the next two batters.
Fast forward to the bottom of the third and Hong Kong goes to the bullpen, subbing starter Yuk Sing Ling for reliever Hok Kan Wong. The change led to Canada getting on the board first as a Mathieu Roy lead off triple led into Bryan Abrey hitting a sacrifice fly into center field, making it 1-0.
After Schofield struck out the side again in the top of the fourth, Canada’s offence began to rumble as they added to the lead. The Canadians scored three in the frame with Jeff Lyons scoring on an error, Nicholas White squeeze bunting Dallas Kipfer home, and Abrey scoring White with a single.
In the bottom of the fifth, Lyons scored Blake Hunter with a single while Jordan Pomeroy hit a sac-fly allowing Scott Nehaj to make it 6-0 Canada.
After five scoreless innings, Canadian Manager John Stuart pulled Schofield for Steven Normand, which led to Hong Kong scoring their first run of the game in the top of the sixth. Followed by a two out double from Corey Ng, Tak Hei Cheung singled to left scoring Ng from second base.
Canada managed to get the run back in the bottom half of the inning though, as Abery knocked in his third RBI of the game scoring White from first with a double to deep left.
In the top of the seventh, Ho Fai Liu managed a four pitch walk to start Hong Kong’s last chance however, Normand proceeded to get the following three batters out to close the game, ending in a 7-1 decision for Canada.
Canada now plays in a day two double header on Thursday. Their first game is against Singapore at 4:00 p.m. while the second gets underway immediately after at 7:00 p.m. versus Argentina.
All games are played at Rotary Field in Prime Ministers Park.
Enoka homer lifts New Zealand over Singapore
New Zealand got their first win under their belt at the World Cup Group B Qualifiers during day one competition.
Following three innings of silent offense from either side, New Zealand managed to break the tie in the bottom of the fourth when Cole Evans scored on a passed ball.
An inning later, New Zealand added some insurance thanks to a solo shot from Benjamin Enoka. Luckily, the defence stayed strong as New Zealand hung on for a 2-0 win.
🇳🇿💥 Check out Enoka’s home run! #SoftballWorldCupM pic.twitter.com/TSEJJFeuxl
— WBSC ⚾🥎 (@WBSC) July 11, 2024
Collecting the win on the mound for New Zealand was Liam Potts who managed a strikeout while giving up a hit and a walk in two innings pitched. Meanwhile, Raynard Heng took the loss for Singapore, allowing two runs on two hits with two walks and six strikeouts in five innings.
New Zealand will now face Israel on Thursday at 10:00 a.m., while Singapore will matchup with Canada at 4:00 p.m.
Argentina blanks Israel, 8-0
In the tournament’s opening match on Wednesday morning, the World No. 1 Argentina kicked things off with a bang.
The lone South American team at the Group B Qualifiers began their quest to the 2025 World Cup with an 8-0 route of Israel behind some hot bats.
Teo Migliavacca opened the scoring in the top of the first after scoring on a wild pitch. It remained 1-0 until the third when Argentina scored three, which included a two-run blast from Federico Eder.
The Argentinians continued to pour it on in the fourth, as they added four more runs including another two-run homer, this time from Gonzalo Ojeda making it 8-0.
Entering the fifth and on the verge of mercy ruling their opponents, Argentina Manager José Guerrinieri called on Pablo Migliavacca Skladny from the bullpen to close the game where he did just that, going three up three down to give Argentina a day one win.
Credited with the win for Argentina was Martín Gonzalez who struck out eight in four innings while giving up both one hit and one walk. For Israel, Seth Ross was the lone pitcher in the loss, giving up six earned runs on seven hits with four walks and three strikeouts.
In day two action, Israel will face off with New Zealand in the first match of the day at 10:00 a.m., while Argentina will play Canada in the last match of the day at 7:00 p.m.
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