VS. 
Thanks to our friend on Prince Edward Island, Canada, Pat Healey for his recap of the opening round games of the New Zealand Black Sox vs. Canada series.
Ellsworth helps cause as Canada splits test series opener with Kiwis
BY PAT HEALEY
ORILLIA, ONT. – Jeff Ellsworth of Alberton left a mark for Team Canada in the opener of a three doubleheader, six game International test series with New Zealand Thursday night.
The Alberton recreation director continued his recent torrid hitting, going 1-for-2 with a triple and an RBI to help lead Canada to the 8-4 win over the Kiwis before 500 fans at Tudhope Park here in Orillia. New Zealand bounced back to earn the split with a 5-0 win in the second game.
Derek Mayson (3-for-4 with a home run and four RBI’s), Jody Eidt (1-for-4 with a solo home run), Rob Gray (1-for-2, run scored, two walks) and Kevin Schellenberg (2-for-3, run scored) also were tops at the dish.
Stacey McLean (1-for-1 walk, two RBIs) and Jarrad Martin (1-for-1 run scored) led the Kiwis at the plate.
Dean Holoien earned the win in relief of starter Rob O’brien. Holoien went two innings allowing one hit, walking one and fanning one batter. one hit while striking out three. Trevor Ethier relieved Holoien, going two innings fanning one batter, giving up two earned runs on two hits and walking one.
Jeremy Manley suffered the loss allowing four runs on five hits in five and one third innings of work while striking out three. Michael Gaiger finished the game off giving up three runs in one and two-third innings relief work.
The second game was a much different story, as the Kiwi’s blanked the Canucks 5-0 as Heinie Shannon pitched a complete game two-hitter to lead New Zealand and earn the split.
Nathan Nukunuku (2-for-4) and Travis Wilson each drove in two runs for the win. Pat Shannon hit a two-run triple to make it 5-0 and eventually earn the win.
Jody Eidt was 1-for-2 with a walk for the lone top Canuck hitter.
Rick Smith suffered the loss in relieve of starter Todd Martin.
Ellsworth did not play as head coach Mark Smith worked his 24 man roster into action during the first doubleheader.