Parana, Argentina – The Canadian U23 Men’s National Softball Team took game two of the 2023 WBSC U23 Softball World Cup with a dominant 11-1 win over Team WBSC in four innings. Both teams were looking to bounce back after losses in game 1, (Team WBSC 0-2 Japan). 

Riley Manion (Napanee, Ont.), made the start in the pitcher’s circle for Canada and had a strong start, striking out three Team WBSC players back to back to back, keeping it scoreless going into the bottom of the first inning.

In the bottom of the second inning, Canada’s bats’ were active. Thomas Baker (Kitchener, Ont.), hit a single up the middle, landing him on first base. Mason McKay (Tavistock, Ont.), came in as a pinch runner for Baker at first. Connor Brooks (Napanee, Ont.), landed on first because of a walk, pushing McKay to second base. Brant Wiebe (Delisle, Sask.), hit a single to third, scoring McKay and pushing Brooks to second. Isaac Lefebvre (St-Leonard-d’Aston, Que.), hit a single to left field, scoring  Brooks and Wiebe to make it 3-0. 

The bats came out again in the bottom of the third inning when Owen Torrie (Williamsford, Ont.), singled through the left side. Mark Stack (Petty Harbour, N.L.), hit a single up the middle, pushing Torrie to third. Mason McKay then singled to right field, scoring Torrie and Stack to make it 5-0 Canada.

In the top of the fourth inning, Canada made a pitching change, bringing in Jordan Hudson (Saskatoon, Sask.). Team WBSC loaded the bases after a single to left centre, a walk and a hit-by-pitch, resulting in a run to make it 5-1. 

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Lefebvre hit a double down the right field line to kick off the inning. Mitch McKay (Tavistock, Ont.), made it to second base on a fielding error, resulting in a scored run by Lefebvre to make it 6-1 Canada. Jordan Pomeroy (Placentia, N.L.), hit a single up the middle, scoring McKay, making it 7-1. 

Canada continued to bring the pressure after Pomeroy hit a single up the middle and Matthew Kutnikoff (Prince Albert, Sask.), earned a walk. Pomeroy ended up on third base on a passed ball, resulting in Kutnikoff getting to third base. The bases were loaded when Tyler Branchaud (Metcalfe, Ont.), and Mason Mckay both earned walks. Brooks then hit a double down the left field line, scoring Pomeroy, Kutnikoff  and Branchaud to make it 11-1.

The game would end after four innings and Team Canada would go on to earn an 11-1 win over Team WBSC. Manion earned the win, with Hudson earning the save. 

Canada’s (1-1) next game will be against Japan at 5:30pm ART on Monday, April 17.

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.