MATSUYAMA, Japan – The Women’s National Team are now one step closer to earning a birth in the Gold Medal Game at the III IBAF Women’s Baseball World Cup after a hard fought 7-6 win over the United States.
It was a rollercoaster battle that saw the lead change five times, but Canada took the lead for good in the top of the seventh to improve their record to 3-1.
“I am proud of our players and the character they showed today”, said André Lachance, Field Manager for Team Canada. “There were times we could have given up when the momentum changed in (the U.S.) favour, but we were quick to get the momentum back. You could feel the energy on our bench.”
Canada was able to flawlessly execute three squeeze plays in the late innings to come up with the victory, including a clutch pinch-hit single from Stephanie Savoie (La Pocatière, QC) in the seventh inning to tie the game.
“We have been working on offensive execution”, said Wayne Parro, hitting and first base coach. “Our players are buying into the team’s plan, and we are starting to play with the confidence that matches our ability.”
Leading Canada’s offensive attack was Kate Psota (Burlington, ON), who was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Ashley Stephenson (Mississauga, ON) was 2-for-3 with two RBI for Canada.
Stephenson also got the win in relief, pitching one and two-thirds innings. Martine Nadeau (Québec City, QC), who started for Canada, went four innings allowing three runs on seven hits and a pair of walks while striking out three. Autumn Mills (London, ON) went one and a third innings in relief, giving up three runs, one earned, on two hits.
Canada’s next game in the cross-over round is against Australia. A win will put Canada in the Gold Medal Game against Japan, who earned their spot with a 10-1 win over the Aussies.
Canada takes on Australia on Thursday, August 28 at 12:30 pm local time, at Botchan Stadium.
