Monteria, Colombia- The Canadian U18 National Team showcased a flawless performance delivering a 7-0 shutout against Venezuela in six innings. From the outset, Canada displayed aggressive play, scoring a run in the first inning, and orchestrating a seamless offensive display in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. However, it was Morgan Reimer’s exceptional pitching that stole the spotlight, as she pitched a perfect game, striking out 11 of the 18 Venezuelan batters she faced.
Canada wasted no time as they swiftly entered the bottom of the first inning after Morgan Reimer (Langley, B.C.) struck out the first three Venezuelan batters. Leading off, Taitumn Reynen (Langford, B.C.) showcased her speed with a slap up the middle, quickly advancing to second on a stolen base. Caitlin Colley (Stouffville, Ont.) followed with another single up the middle, driving in Reynen and putting Canada on the scoreboard early.
In the fourth inning, Tegan Harnett (Maple Ridge, B.C.) kick-started the offense by earning a walk, followed by a Cece Brown (Maple Ridge, B.C.) double to centerfield. With two runners in scoring position, Katherine Thiessen (Lloydminster, Sask.) delivered a triple to centerfield, adding two more runs to Canada’s lead.
Madeline Hallman (St. George, Ont.) ignited a rally for Canada in the fifth inning with a single, followed by another single by Colley. Venezuela then made a pitching change, but Canada would capitalize on the opportunity. After a walk loaded the bases, Hallman scored on a passed ball, followed by another walk to load the bases once again. A fielder’s choice hit by Brown at second base allowed another run for Canada. The team added their final run of the inning on another passed ball.
The sixth inning sealed the victory for Canada, with both Colley and Jana Want (Stoney Creek, Ont.) drawing walks. Reimer would hit a double up the right field line to drive in the final run for Canada.
Box Score: Canada 7 vs. Venezuela 0
Reimer pitched a complete game, tallying no walks, 11 strikeouts, and not allowing a single Venezuelan batter to reach first base. Colley went 3-for-3 with 1 walk and 1 RBI, while Brown, Thiessen, and Reimer all contributed with extra-base hits.
Team Canada will face Brazil in Game 4 of the preliminary round today, April 2nd, at 11:45 AM local time (12:45 PM EST).
