Parana, Argentina – The Canadian U23 Men’s National Softball Team opened up the 2023 WBSC U23 Softball World Cup with a 2-0 loss against Venezuela in seven innings. 

Reese Yantzi (Shakespeare, Ont.), got the start in the pitcher’s circle for Canada. Venezuela took the lead early in the third inning scoring two runs on three hits, making the score 2-0. 

In the bottom of the third, Mitch McKay (Tavistock, Ont.), got Canada’s first hit of the tournament with a single to left field but the score remained 2-0. 

In the top of the fourth inning, Yantzi collected a strikeout to start the inning, keeping the deficit at two. It was a clean inning for the Canadians, but they still trailed by two.

Matthew Kutnikoff (Prince Albert, Sask.), got Canada’s second hit of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning with a single up the middle. Tyler Branchaud (Metcalfe, Ont.), came in as the pinch runner for Kutnikoff. Venezuela stranded the runners on base, keeping the score in their favour. 

In the top of the fifth inning, Canada made a pitching change, bringing Jordan Hudson (Saskatoon, Sask.), into the circle. Yantzi allowed two runs on five hits.

Team Canada could not generate any offence against Venezuelan pitcher Frank Ugas, resulting in a 2-0 loss to Venezuela in seven innings. 

Canada’s (0-1) next game will be against Team WBSC at 1:00pm ART on Sunday, April 16. 

Live scoring will be available through the WBSC U23 Men’s Softball World Cup Championship site, with live streaming available through GameTime.sport. 

Team Canada coverage is available through the Softball Canada website and social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.