Thanks to Softball Canada for its coverage, provided via Al’s Fastball: (Still no coverage of Team USA at either USA Softball or ASA websites).
(HERMOSILLO – Mexico) – Canada’s record dropped to 1-1 at the Pan American Softball Championships in Hermosillo, Mexico after a 4-3 loss to the United States.
The Americans broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the 5th inning without the aid of a hit. Chris Miljavac reached base on a 2 out bunt attempt when Canadian 1st baseman Derek Mayson`s (North Vancouver, BC) flip throw went wide of Ian Fehrman (Townsend, ON) who was covering 1st on the play. A wild pitch and a passed ball allowed Miljavac to come around and score.
Canada answered in the top of the 6th inning starting with a lead off single by Fehrman and a walk by Kevin Schellenberg (Squammish, BC). The runners were moved to 2nd and 3rd on a sacrifice bunt by Ryan Wolfe. USA pitcher Travis Price walked pinch hitter Rob Gray to load the bases. Tim Macumber (Newport, NS) then drove a ball deep to center field which was caught just in front of the fence scoring Fehrman to tie the game. Schellenberg also tried to score but was cut down on a close play at the plate.
Team USA scored 3 in the bottom of the 6th on a 3 run home run by third baseman Landy Rodrigues off relief pitcher Rick Smith (Duncan, BC). Canada scrapped back in the top of the 7th inning with a lead off single by Pat Mackintosh (Saskatoon, SK). He would later score on a single by Steve Mullaley (St. John’s, NFLD). Mullaley would score on a single by Schellenberg. Catcher Chris Shewfelt hit a shot to the right field corner that looked like sure extra bases but right field Chris Miljavac made a tremendous running catch for the 2nd out. Relief pitcher Paul Algar was able to strike out pinch hitter Jeff Ellsworth (Alberton, PEI) to end the game.
Rob O’Brien (Elora, ON) started for Canada in the circle and gave up 1 run on 4 hits with 5 strikeouts before being relieved by Smith. Smith was credited with the loss giving up 3 runs on 2 hits. Canada faces Puerto Rico on October 2nd at 10:00 am and Venezuela at 5:00 pm in a bid to improve their record to 3-1.
-SC-
For more information, please contact
Rick Picard
Director, Marketing and Communications
Softball Canada
rpicard(at)softball.ca
(613) 523-3386