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Canada Downs Netherlands

Canada Downs Netherlands

November 11, 2007

TAIPEI, Taiwan – It was a pitcher’s duel until the sixth inning when the Senior National Team broke open the scoring and took a 7-1 win from the Netherlands at the 2007 IBAF World Cup at Hsinchuang Stadium. Brooks McNiven (Vancouver, BC) threw a gem as he would only allow four hit over six innings with a pair of strikeouts to earn the win for the Canadians. “I wanted to go out and pitch my game.  I’m really happy with my outing and it was a big win for us,” says McNiven, who had 12 ground ball outs in his performance. The Canadians got to Netherlands starter Rob Cordemans, who was throwing a gem of his own until the sixth inning.  Mike Saunders led off the inning with a solo home run to break the scoreless tie and give the Canadians the 1-0 lead. “It was big to get the momentum on our side,” says Saunders, who was 1-for-3 with the home run, a pair of walks and two runs scored.  “I think this was a must win game and we came out and put a pounding on and if we keep doing what we’re doing, with two tough games coming up, we can compete with anybody.” With the score 2-0 going into the top of the seventh inning, Canada put up a four spot to increase their lead to 6-0.  Emerson Frostad (Calgary, AB) hit a two RBI single to score Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, BC), who singled and Saunders who walked.  Frostad and Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, ON) would later come in to score on a two RBI single from Jamie Romak (London, ON). The Netherlands would make it 6-1 in the bottom of the seventh when Bryan Englehardt hit a solo home run, but the Canadians would get the run back in the eighth inning on a RBI single from Weglarz to score Rogelstad. “It was a big win for us,” says SNT Field Manager Terry Puhl, “Brooks did a nice job keeping us in the ball game and threw very, very well.  We had some timely hits which was good to see.” “We view every game as a must win.  We’ll come back in a couple days and keep pounding away.” The Senior National Team has an off day before they take on Venezuela on Tuesday, November 13 at 6 pm at Tien-Mou Stadium.  The probable starter for Canada is James Avery (Moose Jaw, SK).

Canadians Shutout Germany at World Cup

Canadians Shutout Germany at World Cup

November 10, 2007

TAIPEI, Taiwan – It did not take long for the Senior National Team to get its offence going on route to a 10-0, eight inning shutout win over Germany in the 2007 IBAF World Cup at Hsinchuang Stadium. Jeremy Ware (Guelph, ON) got things started with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to put the Canadians ahead 2-0 and would turn out to be the winning hit. “Anytime you can contribute is good.  You can’t really care about yourself, you just have to find a way to help the team win,” says Ware, who was 3-for-4 with the homer and two RBI.  “You can’t look at who you’re playing, you just have to put a (win) on the board.  We’ve got another game tomorrow and now we’ve got to try and get another win.” The score would remain 2-0 until the fifth inning when Kevin Nicholson (Langley, BC), after hitting a double, would score on an RBI single from Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC) to make it 3-0. In the sixth inning, the Canadians would increase their lead to 6-0, highlighted by an RBI triple from Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, BC). Rogelstad would get two more RBI in the seventh with a double to score Jamie Romak (London, ON) and Emmanuel Garcia (Montreal, QC).  Rogelstad would finish 3-for-5 with three RBI and a home run short of the cycle. The Canadians would complete the scoring in the eighth inning when Sebastien Boucher (Ottawa, ON) would score on an error and Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) would score on an RBI single from Garcia. On the mound, Jamie Richmond (Mississauga, ON) was almost untouchable, allowing only four hits with four strikeouts in seven innings of shutout ball. “The guys played great behind me.  I got a lot of ground balls for outs. The team needed the win now we can come back tomorrow and get another win,” says Richmond. Chris Leroux (Mississauga, ON) pitched the eighth inning and was perfect in his inning of work, registering a strikeout. “It’s been a real test of the team’s skills with the ups and downs of international baseball.  We’re playing one game at a time and we’re throwing every bullet that we have in every game from here on out,” says SNT Field Manager Terry Puhl. The Senior National Team takes on the Netherlands on Sunday, November 11 at 12 pm at Hsinchuang Stadium.  Brooks McNiven (Vancouver, BC) is the probable starter for the Canadians.

Canadians Fall to Cuba in Tight Contest

Canadians Fall to Cuba in Tight Contest

November 09, 2007

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Four runs in the seventh inning was the difference in the end as the Senior National Team would fall to Cuba, 6-3 in the 2007 IBAF World Cup at Hsinchuang Stadium. The Canadians left 11 runners on base and were 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position in the game. Phillippe Aumont (Gatineau, QC) started on the mound for the Canadians and was solid, allowing only two hits with a strikeout in two innings of work. “I felt great out there.  I was able to make adjustments and everything was working in the bullpen (before the game) and results were there,” says the 18-year-old Aumont of his Senior team debut.  “It was a big thing for me to get the start against Cuba, knowing how good these guys are it give a big boost in confidence.” Scott Richmond (Langley, BC) entered in relief and had a solid outing despite taking the loss.  He allowed four runs on nine hits with a strikeout in four innings pitched.  He gave up the final two runs in the seventh before being relieved by Mike Kusiewicz (Ottawa, ON). Two more runs would come to score for the Cubans in the seventh, one on a close play to the plate which appeared to beat Frederich Cepeda, but was called safe by the home plate umpire. Canada would put two runs on the board in the top of the ninth inning to close the gap.  After a pair of singles by Sebastien Boucher (Ottawa, ON) and Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, BC), Kevin Nicholson (Langley, BC) drove them both in with a two RBI single, but that is as close as they would get. “We showed today that we weren’t going to give up and that we weren’t going to back down,” says Nicholson, who was 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles, two RBI and a walk.  “I know it’s a tough loss, but we have four more games left and I look at us coming back tomorrow with a strong game.” Earlier in the game with the score 1-1 in the fourth inning after Chris Robinson (Dorchester, ON) drove in Jeremy Ware (Guelph, ON) to tie the game with a double, Robinson was coming in to home on a Boucher single, but was called out on another close play at the plate. Yulieski Gourriel would hit a solo home run in the fifth to make it 2-1 before the Cubans would have their four run seventh inning. “We couldn’t get key hits with runners in scoring position, which was disappointing,” says SNT Field Manager Terry Puhl.  “We got to let the bats go, be more aggressive like we were at the end.  We took too many pitches today.” The Senior National Team will now take on Germany on Saturday, November 10 at Hsinchuang Stadium.  The probable starter for the Canadians is Jamie Richmond (Mississauga, ON).  Game time is 12 pm.

Canada Merciless Against Thailand at World Cup

Canada Merciless Against Thailand at World Cup

November 08, 2007

TAIPEI, Taiwan – The rain did not dampen the bats of the Senior National team as they would pound out 18 runs in their second game at the 2007 IBAF World Cup against Thailand to earn the victory by a score of 18-0 in seven innings at Hsinchuang Stadium. All nine offensive starters for the Canadians reached base in this game. The onslaught began in the first inning when Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, BC) hit a solo home run to open the scoring.  A passed ball to score Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) and an RBI single by Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC) to score Taylor Green (Courtenay, BC) would make it 3-0 after one inning. The Canadians would then bat around in the third inning, sending 12 men to the plate, to score six runs and increase their lead to 9-0. Saunders began the inning with a solo shot to right, then VanOstrand would hit a two RBI triple and would later score on a sacrifice fly by Emerson Frostad (Calgary, AB).  Two more runs would come in on an error, a single and a pair of walks. “It was good to do some damage and get off on the right foot today,” says VanOstrand who was 3-for-5 with a pair of singles, a triple, two runs scored and four RBI.  “Everyone got some good swings and no one was trying to do too much.” After scoring a pair of runs in fifth inning and two more in the sixth inning, the Canadians would explode for another five runs in the seventh. Jamie Romak (London, ON) would begin the rally after being hit by a pitch and after a Green single, Romak would score on a single from VanOstrand.  After Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, ON) drew a walk to load the bases, Frostad would hit a grand slam down the right field line to complete the scoring. “It was good to get things going today,” says Frostad who was 2-for-5 with two homers and seven RBI.  “We didn’t do much offensively last night, so it feels good to get a couple of hits and drive in a few runs.  Everyone up and down the lineup did well today and that’s big going forward in the tournament.” Jon Lockwood (Toronto, ON) had a solid outing, allowing only four hits and three walks with six strikeouts in six innings of work. R.J. Swindle would pitch a perfect seventh to close out the game, registering a strikeout. “Lockwood’s performance was absolutely wonderful,” says SNT Field Manager Terry Puhl.  “We needed the innings so that we have plenty of pitching going forward.  Also, getting four home runs today, we hit some hard yesterday right at guys, but they’re pretty hard to catch when they go over the fence.” Next up for the Senior National Team will be Cuba on Friday, November 9 at 6 pm at the Hsinchuang Stadium.

Canada Takes Tough Loss in World Cup Opener

Canada Takes Tough Loss in World Cup Opener

November 07, 2007

TAIPEI, Taiwan – The Senior National Team offence was unable to put any points on the board and fell victim to Korea in their 2007 IBAF World Cup opener by a score of 5-0 at Tianmu Stadium. The Canadian offence put up two hits against Korean pitching coming from Kevin Nicholson (Langley, BC) and Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC). “It’s one game.  We got to forget about this one and worry about tomorrow’s game,” says Nicholson who was 1-for-2 with a double and a walk.  “We got to play our game and that’s to play hard.” “It’s a tough game, especially in a short tournament like this you hope guys can just relax and have fun and when you have fun generally guys will do well.” The majority of Korea’s runs came in the third inning when they would score three runs on three hits, two walks, a sacrifice fly and a hit batsman. James Avery (Moose Jaw, SK) started on the mound for the Canadians and allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks with one strikeout in six innings of work. “We didn’t swing the bats all that well, even though we hit some balls hard right at them but we couldn’t get any offence going until they’re were two outs (in an inning),” says SNT Field Manager Terry Puhl. “This team has always played well with its back to the wall, so we’ll come back tomorrow, swing the bats and see where it goes.” The Senior National Team will return to action on Thursday, November 8 at 12 pm to take on Thailand at Shinchuan Stadium.

Canadians Sweep Exhibition Series

Canadians Sweep Exhibition Series

November 03, 2007

PERTH, Australia – The Senior National Team’s offence came up with another big inning and the pitchers and defence held off the Perth Heat to come out on top and sweep the series with a 10-6 win. With the score 4-3 for the Heat in the sixth inning, the Canadians put across six runs to take the lead and keep it. Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC), Taylor Green (Courtenay, BC) and Emerson Frostad (Calgary, AB) drew back to back to back walks which brought Jeremy Ware (Guelph, ON) to the plate.  Ware hit a single to drive in VanOstrand and tie the game. With the bases loaded and the score 5-4 after Emmanuel Garcia (Montreal, QC) drew a bases loaded walk, Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, BC) hit a triple to clear the bases and give Canada an 8-4 lead.  Rogelstad would later score on a sacrifice fly by Jamie Romak (London, ON). “The pitcher threw me a strike up in the zone and I was able to put some good wood on it,” says Rogelstad of his sixth inning triple.  “Today was my best day offensively of the five days we’ve been here, which is a good sign heading into the tournament.” In the seventh inning, Frostad hit his second home run in as many days to complete the scoring for the Canadians. “I’m starting to see the ball a lot better and just trying to be patient and get good pitches to hit,” says Frostad.  “I’m really felling confident going in (the tournament).” “We’re about as ready as we can possibly be,” says SNT Field Manager Terry Puhl.  “Our pitching is going to determine how well we do in the tournament and our hitting has done a really great job so far.” The Senior National Team has an off day before heading to Taiwan for the 2007 IBAF World Cup.  Canada plays its first game on Wednesday, November 7 at 6:30 pm against Korea.

Canadians Take Game 3 against Heat

Canadians Take Game 3 against Heat

November 02, 2007

PERTH, Australia – Four runs in the fourth inning was the difference for the Senior National Team in the third exhibition game against the Perth Heat as they would take the win by a score of 8-2. The Canadians opened the scoring in the top of the first inning as Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, BC), after hitting a triple, came in to score on the RBI single from Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC). The Heat would tie the game in the bottom half of the first inning and then take the lead in the third inning after Lachlan Dale hit an RBI single to score Daniel Floyd to make the score 2-1. The Canadians would immediately respond in the fourth inning.  After Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, ON) singled and Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC) reached on an error, Taylor Green (Courtenay, BC) would hit an RBI single to score Weglarz and tie the game. With two runners on and no outs in the fourth, Emerson Frostad (Calgary, AB) hit a three-run home run to put the Canadians ahead for good, and make the score at the time 5-2. “I got a slider and I was just trying to put a good swing on it and luckily it went out and it was a big inning for us,” says Frostad. The Canadians added one run in the eighth inning and two in the ninth inning for insurance and to complete the scoring. Offensively, Frostad was 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI and Rogelstad was 2-for-5 with a double, triple, two RBI and a run scored. On the mound, Jamie Richmond (Mississauga, ON) earned the victory, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk with four strikeouts in five innings of work. “I went out there and threw some strikes, got some ground balls and the defense played great, so it went pretty good,” says Richmond. In relief, the combination of Mike Kusiewicz (Ottawa, ON), R.J. Swindle (Vancouver, BC) and Mike Johnson (Edmonton, AB) held the Heat to one hit with four strikeouts. “We hit the ball consistently.  Got some big hits, which was key because you never know where you’re going to get it.  Hits can come from anywhere from our lineup which is the beauty of our lineup,” says SNT Field Manager Terry Puhl on the performance of the team. The Senior National Team will play its final exhibition game on Friday, November 3 at 6:30 pm against the Perth Heat at the Perth Baseball Park.

Canadians Crush Heat in Game 2

Canadians Crush Heat in Game 2

November 01, 2007

PERTH, Australia – The Senior National Team’s offence exploded right out of the gate as they would pound the Perth Heat in their second exhibition game by a score of 12-4. Nine of the twelve Canadians who saw action in this game reached base. The Canadians started things off with six runs in the first inning after the Heat scored one in their half of the inning. The first six hitters scored those six runs on two hits, three walks and two errors Leading the way offensively were Jamie Romak (London, ON) who went 4-for-5 with a home run, double, five RBI and three runs scored.  Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC) went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. “I got a fastball pretty much in the middle of the plate, so it was a good pitch to drive,” says Romak of his seventh inning home run.  “Right now I’m still working on my swing and trying to hit some balls well.  Today everything went my way.” “It was good today. I feel more comfortable and each day is getting better,” says VanOstrand of his two hit night.  “I was looking for pitches out on the plate that I can drive the other way.”  “One I hit well, the other I didn’t but both of them work out,” he adds with a laugh. On the mound, Scott Richmond (Langley, BC), making his Team Canada debut, entered the game in the first inning with the Heat threatening with the bases loaded and only one out.  He would get the next two hitters to strikeout and pop out to second to end the inning and the threat. “It was a nice feeling to get out of that situation,” says Richmond.  “I worked out of the stretch in the bullpen.  (I) came in and felt confident and it was a big help.” When all was said and done, Richmond threw five and 2/3 innings, allowing only three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. “Not bad for the first time out.  I still need to fine tune some things and next time hopefully it’ll be even better.” SNT Field Manager, Terry Puhl was once again pleased with the progress of the team and thinks things will only get better. “We had a much better showing offensively.  We got to see some pitches, we hit the ball a little more crisp and got a little long ball.  We have a really nice offensive group,” says Puhl.  “Scotty Richmond did a really good job.  He had an incredible first inning to slam the door and held them to only the one run.  That situation could’ve been a lot worse.” The Senior National team plays their third exhibition game against the Perth Heat on Friday, November 2 at 6:30 pm at the Stadium in Perth.

Canada Gets Off on the Right Foot

Canada Gets Off on the Right Foot

October 31, 2007

PERTH, Australia – The Senior National Team took a step in the right direction to start things off in their exhibition schedule in Australia with a 2-1 win over the Perth Heat. The pitchers were the story of this game as four Canadian pitchers combined to hold the Heat to four hits in this ballgame. James Avery (Moose Jaw, SK) threw the first five innings for the Canadians, allowing only one hit and one walk with one strikeout in his outing. “I think I did pretty well.  My curveball was coming along toward the end.  I just want to make sure I get everything going before we go to Taiwan,” says Avery. All of the offence in this game came in the sixth inning.  The Heat took the lead in the top half when Andrew Kyle hit an RBI double to score Allan De San Miguel to give the Heat the 1-0 lead. But the Canadians came right back in the bottom half.  Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, BC) led off the inning with a double.  After moving over to third on a sacrifice fly, he came around to score on Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) RBI single to tie the game.  Saunders then came in to score the go ahead run on a bloop single from Nick Weglarz (Stevensville, ON). “I had two strikes on me and then all I wanted to do is put the ball in play and luckily it fell in,” says Weglarz. A good defensive play stopped the Heat from tying things up in the seventh inning.  Matt Kennelly hit a single into left field where Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC) fielded the ball and threw it in immediately to Rogelstad at second base, cutting off Kennelly who was trying to stretch his hit to a double. In the meantime, Lachlan Dale tried to score on the play, but Rogelstad threw a strike to catcher Chris Robinson (Dorchester, ON) and tagged out Dale at the plate to end the inning. From there, Mike Johnson (Edmonton, AB) came in on the mound and shut the door on the Heat offence.  He threw two perfect innings, striking out three in his outing. “We had very good pitching today,” says SNT Field Manager, Terry Puhl.  “Avery did a great job and I’m very happy with Johnson with the way he controlled the game at the end.  Our hitting was a little rusty, but I’m very pleased with our performance.” The Senior National Team continues its exhibition schedule against the Perth Heat on Thursday, November 1 at 6:30 pm at the Stadium in Perth.

Team Canada is Always Like a Family

Team Canada is Always Like a Family

October 30, 2007

PERTH, Australia – The Senior National Team has a lot of new faces this year.  The 2007 IBAF World Cup will be the first international tournament for many of these young players. This is where the coaches and veteran players come in.  Their role is to make this team gel, which is something that will happen during their week long trip to Australia for training and exhibition games prior to heading to Taiwan for the World Cup. “I want to show the younger guys that they can have fun and be serious at the same time,” says Mike Kusiewicz (Ottawa, ON), former Olympian and veteran of the team.  “It is a game and we can’t get uptight.” One of the advantages that Canada has over the other countries in these international competitions is that the team is always like a big family. “We always do things together (as a team),” says Jeremy Ware (Guelph, ON) another former Olympian and veteran of the squad.  “Whether it’s off the field by going out for supper or chatting on the bus, it’s things like that that we do.  We include everybody in everything.” Mike Saunders (Victoria, BC) is one of those new faces on the team, but he does have some experience with the Senior Team as he was a member of the squad that was in Cuba in for the Olympic qualifier in 2006.  He has a recent perspective he can share with those here for the first time. “When I was in Cuba, (the veterans) did a great job of taking me in and making me feel like one of the guys,” recalls Saunders. “I think it begins with off the field stuff.  Taking the guys aside, hanging out in hotel rooms and doing stuff as a team I think is really important.  That kind of stuff really helped me out last year and I think that’s what will happen again this year.” Those things started as soon as the team got together at the beginning of the trip.  Taylor Green (Courtenay, BC) and Jimmy VanOstrand are two of the new face who have already felt the effects of the camaraderie of this team. “All the guys who have been here before have just been awesome,” says Green.  “They’ve been great to be around and they’ve been helpful with everything.” “It’s a really fun group and fun to be involved with,” adds VanOstrand.  “The older guys make it pretty easy and make you feel like you’re part of the group.” The Senior National team began it’s practices before kicking off its four game exhibition schedule against the Perth Heat on Wednesday in preparation for the 2007 IBAF World Cup from November 6-18 in Taiwan.  Field Manager Terry Puhl (Melville, SK) now has the task of developing this team and seeing what they can do. “The first couple of days, you get to know them really quickly as far as strength and weaknesses,” says Puhl.  “We have a larger, physical team which can limit our options a bit, but I need to find our strengths and go from there.” The physicality of this team is something that Mark Randall (Edmonton, AB), SNT pitching coach; feels will be a strong advantage for this inexperienced pitching staff. “Even though we are a young staff, we have some very good arms with lots of velocity and great stuff,” says Randall.  “We have some veteran guys in the bullpen to help our young guys.  We have a good mix and what you’ll see is our guys pound the strike zone.” The offence is very talented with many guys posting good numbers in the minors this past season and the team is not looking to change things. “The biggest thing is that we won’t be doing many mechanical adjustments,” says SNT coach Orv Franchuk (Amesbury, AB).  “The guys are talented and they’re here for a reason.  We want them to go up to the plate with a plan and to keep things simple.” Although this team is young, there is no lack of talent and especially heart.  That is something this team has plenty of. If you want to follow the Senior National Team during its stay in Australia, you can find box scores and live updates at www.wa.baseball.com.au.



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