CORNWALL – The Women’s National Team came out on top by a score of 12-11 against the NCBL’s Cornwall River Rats. Fans of all ages came out to Legion Park to support Canada’s women before they head out to the Toronto area for their final pre Pan Am tune-up games.
It was a family reunion of sorts for Team Canada outfielder Jenna Flannigan who hails from Cornwall, ON. When she’s not playing for Canada, she’s a regular member of the River Rats along with her brothers Jay and Austin and coached by their father John.
After shutting down Cornwall in the top of the first, Canada had an explosive 5-run first inning thanks in part to a bases-clearing triple from Kelsey Lalor (Red Deer, AB).
10-year National Team veteran Autumn Mills (London, ON) started on the hill for Canada allowing 0 earned runs on 3 hits and 1 walk over 3 innings of work. 2 runs crossed the plate for Cornwall during her time on the mound due to defensive miscues.
Right-hander Brad Giroux started for the River Rats and allowed 7 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks over 4.1 innings of work. Jay Flannigan replaced Giroux in the 5th for the remainder of the game giving up 5 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks.
With the score at 6-2 going into the top of the 5th, Canada got into a bit of trouble allowing 9 runs over 2 innings with Melissa Armstrong (Saskatoon, SK) and Ella Matteucci (Fruitvale, BC) on the mound. The relievers combined for 7 hits, 4 walks and 1 strikeout over 2.2 innings.
The team managed to fight back and regain the lead in the bottom of the 6th putting together 5 runs on 2 hits. The inning was highlighted by Jenna Flannigan’s at bat against her brother Jay. Jenna battled hard in a long at bat to earn a free pass to first base as she was cheered on by friends and family.
Vanessa Riopel (Repentigny, QC) shut down Cornwall in the top of the 7th to seal the deal for Canada. Riopel tossed 1.1 innings of no-hit baseball allowing 2 walks and adding 2 strikeouts to the score sheet.
“Playing the men is always a good challenge because the game is a little quicker, says Team Canada manager André Lachance. For the team to work hard and come back like that is great to see getting closer to the Games in Toronto.”
Canada is now off to the Toronto area where they’ll play exhibition games against Puerto Rico and USA before they begin competition in Ajax, ON against Cuba on July 20th.
