Prince Albert, Sask. - Team Canada faced a challenging match on Friday, falling 5-1 to New Zealand in Group B of the 2024 WBSC Softball Men’s World Cup.
The game began with New Zealand taking an early lead in the top of the second inning, scoring a run on a solo home run. They extended their lead in the fifth inning with another home run, this time to center field, making it 2-0.
Canada made a pitching change in the fifth, bringing in Justin Schofield (Grand Pré, N.S.) to replace Ty Sebastian (Brussels, Ont.). However, New Zealand continued to press their advantage in the sixth inning, scoring two more runs with a single through the left side followed by a two-run home run, bringing the score to 4-0.
In the bottom of the sixth, New Zealand substituted pitchers, with Liam Potts replacing Pita Rona. Mathieu Roy (St-Gervais, Que.) notched Canada's first hit of the game with a single to right field, followed by Bryan Abrey (Richmond, B.C.) hitting a double to right-center, advancing Roy to third. New Zealand made another pitching change, bringing in Daniel Chapman for Potts, successfully shutting down Canada to end the inning.
New Zealand added their final run in the seventh inning with a single to left field followed by a double up the middle, making it 5-0. Canada ended the inning with two strikeouts and a groundout to Tyler Pauli (Mitchell, Ont.).
In their final chance at the plate, Scott Nehaj (Maple Ridge, B.C.) led off with a single to third base. Mason McKay (Tavistock, Ont.) pinch ran for Nehaj and scored on a double by Justin Laskowski (Warman, Sask.), setting the final score at 5-1.
Ty Sebastian started on the mound for Canada, pitching 4.2 innings, striking out 4, walking 3, and allowing 2 hits, both home runs. Justin Schofield provided relief, pitching 2.1 innings, striking out 4, and allowing 4 hits and 3 runs.
Box Score: New Zealand 5, Canada 1.
Canada is now tied for third place with Singapore, each holding a 2-2 record. They are set to face Israel tonight at 7:00 pm CST (9:00 pm EDT).
