By Jeff D'Andrea

Canada’s Lefebvre celebrates a birthday and worlds victory

Jul 7, 2018 | 11:54 PM

All Isaac Lefebvre wanted on his 18^th birthday was a big Team Canada win to open up the XII WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Championship Saturday at Rotary Field.

His wish was granted as his Canadians won their worlds opener against the United States 10-3 in the bottom of the sixth.

“It means a lot. U.S.A. is always a good team and it’s always a competition—U.S.A. versus Canada,” third baseman Lefebvre said. “It’s always a good game. To beat them, by seven, it’s really amazing.

Lefebvre was a big part of the victory as well, hitting 2-3 at the plate with two runs scored, a run batted in and drawing a walk. He also scored the first run of the tournament for Canada, being driven home by Warman’s Troy Kosmynka to give Canada the early 1-0 advantage in the bottom of the first inning. 

“I’m really excited to be a part of this team,” Lefebvre said. “Every single guy, we’re all close. I’m so blessed to be a part of this team.”

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The United States scored three runs in the top of the second inning, kicked off by a leadoff home run from Anthony Wark. Canada pitcher Owen Torrie then walked in two runs with the bases loaded, giving the U.S.A a 3-1 lead.

But Canada stormed right back, with a three-run shot in the bottom of the inning from Brady Hogg to restore the lead. His mammoth opposite field shot to left centre ended up being the game-winning crack of the bat.

“I went up with a plan,” Thamesville, Ontario’s Hogg said. “I knew they were going to pitch me outside because I’m a bigger guy, and usually they pitch outside. I knew they were going outside so I just took it.”

There was a lot of hype heading into the game. Canada enters the tournament as the second seed and were taking on their biggest geographical rival. There was also the 35-minute opening ceremonies right before the game, and the Max Power Ball Park full of loud fans. Hogg said all that made the victory even more enjoyable.

“It was the greatest feeling ever, I think that I’ve ever felt,” Hogg said. “We wanted to go in with a good attitude and we ended it very well.”

After three scoreless innings, Canada entered the bottom of the sixth inning up narrowly at 4-3. Instead of just padding their lead to go into the seventh, Canada instead won the game by rattling off six runs in the frame to end it on the mercy rule.

Nathan Landry went the whole way for the United States, and received a tip of the cap from Canada head coach Jeff Ellsworth. Both know each other as Landry is from Indian Brook, N.S. and playing for the Americans on a dual citizenship.

“Landry pitched unbelievable here tonight,” said Ellsworth, who’s himself is from P.E.I. “That kid is from back home, the east coast with dual citizenship. I have a lot of respect for the kid, he’s done a phenomenal job.

“We just kept telling the boys to be patient at the batters’ box. We were able to draw a couple key walks and get some key hits at the right times. That’s all this sport is.”

Canadian pitcher Owen Torrie pitched 5-and-a-third innings, striking out 12 batters and surrendered just three hits on three runs. He also walked seven batters. Riley Manion pitched the remaining two-thirds of the sixth inning, striking out one.

Czech Republic 7 Guatemala 0

Team Canada will be taking on both of these teams in their next two matchups, battling the Czechs on Sunday and Guatemala on Monday. Both games are at 8 p.m. at Rotary Field.

Against Guatemala, the Czechs got off to a flying start, scoring six runs in the opening frame, before winning the game in the bottom of the sixth. Czech left fielder Vit Koci was 2-2 at the plate with two runs scored, a double and a walk. Lukas Kubat pitched all six innings, scattering two hits and striking out eight.

Rest of Day 1

The battle of the top seeds in Group A battled it out, with the defending champions Japan coming out on top of Argentina with a 5-2 victory. Japan led 2-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning, before pulling away with the game with three key runs.

The top-ranked New Zealand outfit made quick work of Hong Kong, ending the game at the top of the fourth inning by mercy as they already had a 10-0 advantage.

New Zealand centre fielder Andre Hart was 2-2 with two runs scored and three runs batted it. Harrison Brock Attewell had the lone home run of the game.

In other action, South Africa snuck by Denmark 2-3, after Denmark fell in the first game of the tournament, 12-1 to Mexico. Australia defeated India 4-1.

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca                                   

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW