USA scores shutout win over Japan!

Koert, Palazzo and Magnusson lead the way.

Click here for Al Doran’s inning by inning recap.

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Another big match-up this evening, following the one with Canada (3-0) vs. Australia (2-1) is the nightcap between Team USA (1-1) and Japan (2-0). The two teams have been mentioned as among those projected to be in the hunt for two of the four playoff spots.

The top two spots earn “double life” status in the playoff round, meaning they could lose a game and still remain alive. (Reigning world champions, the New Zealand Black Sox already beat the USA, and is favored in Pool A)

Game time, 6:30 p.m. Saskatoon time.

Digital clock shows local Saskatoon time.

Al Doran, of Al’s Fastball, who is on the scene in Saskatoon, had this to say about the game between Japan and the USA:

“At 6:30 pm, the two top challengers to New Zealand in Pool A play, Japan and the U.S.A. Although the Japanese are undefeated and yet to play the Black Sox this may be a matchup for second place in the pool as both these team are legitimate medal contenders.”

CANADA wins extra innings thriller!

Score three in ninth to top Aussies 9-6.

Click here for Al Doran’s inning by inning recap.

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The top two favorites in Pool B square off today, the 2004 Silver medal winners, Canada vs. the 2004 Bronze medalists, Australia.

Game time, 3:30 p.m. Saskatoon time.

Digital clock shows local Saskatoon time.

Al Doran, of Al’s Fastball , who is on the scene in Saskatoon, had this to say about the game between Canada and Australia:

“Today is a huge day as undefeated Team Canada will play undefeated Australia for what should be first place in Pool B. The Aussies have given up a total of 2 hits and no runs in two games, while scoring 17. Team Canada has given up only two runs on 8 hits while also scoring 17 runs. They meet head to head with first place on the line at 3:30 p.m. [Saskatoon time] at Bob Impe Stadium.”