ORLANDO – The Junior National Team were scored on early and often as the Houston Astros were able to knock off the Juniors by a score of 14-1 at the Fall Instructional League camp.
The Canadians only run came in the bottom of the first in response to a five-run first by the Astros. Jeff Hunt (Cambridge, ON) hit a bases loaded sacrifice fly to drive in Wes Darvill (Langley, BC) to make it 5-1.
Evan Grills (Whitby, ON) started on the mound for the Juniors and gave up five runs, four earned, on three hits and two walks with a pair of strikeouts in two innings pitched.
The Astros added to their lead in the third scoring three times with two outs in the inning to give them an 8-1 advantage.
The runs kept on coming for Houston as they would score a run in each of the fifth, sixth and seventh innings to take an 11-1 lead.
Paul Barton (Qualicum Beach, BC) gave up four runs, three earned on six hits in three innings of work. He would allow one walk while striking out six.
Jason Gibson (Victoria, BC) followed Barton, throwing the sixth and seventh innings. He allowed two runs, one earned, on two hits and three walks while fanning one Astros’ hitter.
Houston completed their offensive outburst by adding three more runs in the eighth inning against Jeff Gibbs (Toronto, ON), who went two innings, giving up the three runs on four hits and a walk with two punch outs.
Andrew Ruck (Whitby, ON) led the way offensively for the Canadians going 2-for-3. Jeff Hunt drove in the only Canadian run.
The Junior National Team will play its final game of the Fall Instructional League camp on Saturday, October 11 when the Juniors take on the Atlanta Braves. Game time is at 10 am.
