San Juan, Puerto Rico- The Dominican Republic had nine hits, including six extra-base hits as they went on to beat Canada 5-2 in the first game of round two at the Pan Am Games/World Cup qualification tournament. The loss now puts Canada’s record at one win and three losses as they carried over their record against teams also advancing to round two. The game time was bumped up by two hours (12pm from 2pm) and switched to Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan after it was determined that Paquito Montaner Stadium in Ponce was unplayable from too much water on the field and in the dugouts.
“Our offence just hasn’t gotten going and that’s the tough part about it,” said Canadian Manager Ernie Whitt. “Our backs are against the wall again, so hopefully we can get the bats going a little bit and go from there.”
The Dominican’s got to Canadian starter Nick Bucci (Sarnia, ON) in the bottom of the first inning when the first two batters reached base after a base-hit bunt and a walk. The Dominican’s then played some small ball when they stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly to centre field.
In the third inning, the Dominican’s would add to their lead with two more runs which saw the first three batters of the inning reach base on a triple, single and double. Bucci did finish the inning but it would spell the end of his afternoon.
After being held hitless through the first three innings, Pete Orr (Richmond Hill, ON) ripped a single to right field to lead off the top of the fourth inning. Orr would later score Canada’s first run of the game on an interesting play.
With two out and Jimmy Van Ostrand (Richmond, BC) at the plate, he hit a ball down the first base line that deflected off the first baseman’s glove and looked as though it was headed down the line for extra bases. However, the ball then hit the first base umpire and stayed in the infield. Meanwhile, with Orr running full tilt on the play, he rounded second base and headed for third with the first baseman sailing the ball past third base and deep into foul territory. Orr scored and the errant throw which also allowed Van Ostrand to advance to third base.
With Steve Green (Greenfield Park, QC) now in the game, the Dominican’s would score a run in the bottom of the fourth to regain their three-run lead. Green would go on to pitch perfect fifth and sixth innings to limit the damage.
In the eighth, Jamie Romak (London, ON) tried to spark his club with a solo homerun that landed well into the bleachers in left field. Romak has been Canada’s most consistent hitter in the tournament which is not lost upon Manager Ernie Whitt.
“He’s had a great tournament. This is the first time I’ve had a chance to see him play and he’s definitely a welcome addition to the team.”
Just as they had done previously in the game, the Dominican’s answered back in the bottom of the frame to go ahead 5-2 and shut Canada down in the ninth to win the game.
Canada now faces a must-win game against Panama on Saturday October 9th at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan with the first pitch scheduled for 9am ET.
“For us to have any chance (to advance to the semi-finals) we have win tomorrow,” added Whitt
Notes: Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, QC) will start for Canada against Panama… The top seven teams after round two will qualify for the 2011 Pan Am Games and the top six teams will qualify for the 2011 World Cup…Fans can receive live updates from all of Canada’s games by following Baseball Canada on Twitter…Additional tournament coverage including standings, box scores and stats can be found at: http://premundial2010.prnbt.com/ and http://www.baseballdecuba.com/panamericano2010/index.html
