USA defeats Team Canada 4-3 in 11 innings

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FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE

Team Canada, representing Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), were defeated by the United States, 4-3, at AVG Draci Brno Stadium, in Brno, CZ. Team Canada falls to 1-3, at the 4th annual World University Baseball Championships while the United States improves to 5-0.

For the second time in four games, at the 2008 World University Baseball Championships, Canada lost a lead late in the game and then fell in 11 innings to their opponent. Tonight Canada built up a three run lead on just two hits and two walks, aided by two US errors that gave the “red and black” a lead going into the bottom of the 8th inning where the US rallied for three runs, on two hits, and one costly Canadian error. The US would go onto defeat Canada on a double and a wild pitch in the bottom of the 11th inning, to send Team Canada to a 1 win and 3 loss record with two critical games remaining against the Czech Republic and Korea, if they are to figure in the Medal side of the Championship.

Team Canada’s Mathew Wilson (Bucknell) was the story of the game, the Senior pitcher gave Head Coach Terry McKaig eight strong innings giving up 6 hits, striking out 4, walking only one, while giving up no earned runs due to the error in the US three-run 8th inning. “Mat showed us he is a big-time pitcher when he helped Bucknell shutout Florida State, in Florida, during the NCAA Regional Tournament, ” said McKaig. “Tonight’s game was a perfect start for Mat he showed his character, poise and proved he can pitch on the big stage.”

Wilson left the game after 8 innings and was picked up by Kris Dabrowiecki (Northeastern) and Hiareli Garcia (Kansas) who both pitched a shutout inning in relief. Brandon Kaye (Douglas College), who pitched the 11th inning against Japan, was called on to pitched tonight’s second extra inning as well, giving up a lead off double to the USA’s Jared Clark (Cal State Fullerton), who would come around to score the winning run, on a Kaye wild pitch.

The offense was held to five hits but they made the most of those hits, several key walks, a hit by pitch that led to the game’s first run and two key US errors to open their three-run lead after six and a half innings. Grant Vickers (Mesa State) got the offense started with a lead off double in the 5th inning, Vickers would come home after Outfielder Eric Cattoni (Saint Mary’s) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Canada would hit into an inning ending double play only scoring once in the 5th. Team Canada went right back at it in the 7th inning as Kyle Prevett (Grayson CC) led off with a double and would score on an error by the US infield. Team Canada would score its third run when Grant Kveder (Gonzaga) scored on a sacrifice fly by Shortstop Sammie Starr (British Columbia).

Canada was held to one Ryan Pilgrim (British Columbia) single in the the two extra innings, and US Pitcher Mike Leake (Arizona State) retired nine of the ten batters he faced including striking out five Team Canada hitters for the victory.

Team Canada will next face the Czech Republic (1-3), on Wednesday, July 23rd at AVG Draci Brno Stadium, Brno, CZ at 8:00 PM (2:00 PM EDT).

David A. Kent, Communications Manager

Team USA’s release is available here.