PANAMA CITY, Panama — In a game that went down to the wire, the Canadian Junior National Team triumphed with a 4-3 victory over Mexico in their third game of the Group phase at the U-18 Pan American Championship.
The game started as a classic pitcher's duel, with both teams' defenses and pitching staffs keeping the score tight. The first two innings were scoreless, with both teams managing to get runners on base but failing to bring them home.
Canada’s starter Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, BC) picked up four strikeouts over four and two-thirds innings, allowing a pair of earned runs on five hits and three walks.
Canada broke the deadlock in the top of the fourth inning. Everything started with Timothy Patrick Piasentin (Coquitlam, BC) getting hit by a pitch to start the inning, followed by Anthony Clavet (Quebec City, QC) walking.
The stage was set for Leo Cote (Ayer’s Cliff, QC), who then singled to center field, driving in Piasentin and Clavet, putting Canada up 2-0. Cote now leads the tournament in RBIs and runs scored with six and five, respectively.
Tommy Hanger (Toronto, ON) delivered what proved to be the final blow with an RBI double to cap the 4-run inning for the Canadians.
The fifth inning saw Team Mexico get within striking distance, chasing Duncan out of the ballgame. Canada's bullpen took over with Keegan Russell (Whitby, ON) coming in and preserving the lead after escaping a first and third jam. The right-hander punched out one and allowed a couple of free passes, as he held Mexico hitless through two and a third innings.
Looking Ahead
With this hard-fought win, Canada remains undefeated in the U-18 Pan American Championship, improving their record to 3-0. The Canadians will enjoy a well-earned day off on August 5th and will be back in action against the Dominican Republic at the Estadio Juan D. Arosemena on August 6th at 2:00 PM ET.
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