BOCA CHICA, DR – Inclement weather was a major factor in the opening contest of the Dominican Summer Tour. The Junior National Team were able to get six innings in the books before having to shut down and as a result were on the short end of a 4-3 game with the Texas Rangers.
The Canadians were originally scheduled to play the Minnesota Twins, however rain in the area forced the postponement of that contest, but they were able to organize a makeup game with the Rangers on short notice.
The Rangers opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning against Canadian starter Joel Pierce (Windsor, ON) scoring three runs on two hits, both doubles, and an error to take an early 3-0 lead.
The Juniors cut into that lead in the top of the third as Brooklyn Foster (Langley, BC) and Alexandre Béland (Trois-Rivières, QC) both drew walks and both would score on Rangers miscues to bring the Canadians within one.
Brian Bardis (St. Constant, QC) did his part on the mound as he would pitch two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out two in his outing.
That would allow the JNT to tie the game in the top of the fourth when Andrew Ruck (Whitby, ON) reached on a bunt single, advanced all the way to third on an error and would score on a passed ball to make it 3-3.
The Rangers would get their lead back in the bottom half on the frame when Jonathan Paquet (Ancienne Lorette, QC) allowed a walk to the leadoff hitter, who would then steal second, advance to third on an error and score on a sacrifice fly.
That would be the only blemish against Paquet as he threw two solid innings, not allowing a hit and giving up only the one run with one strikeout.
After the top of the sixth inning, the rain would fall again and the umpires called the game, thus giving the Rangers the win.
The JNT hits the field again on Friday, May 22 for a doubleheader against the Seattle Mariners in Villa Mella. The first game starts at 11 AM.
