Saskatchewan’s Andrew Albers leads Canada to 7-0 no-hitter in Olympic qualifiers

The southpaw pitcher was rightfully the focus of much coverage following the night’s performance, though Albers told battlefordsNOW that while it’s an accomplishment he’ll be able to look back on eventually, right now his focus remains on the task at hand—preparing for Tuesday’s game versus Cuba.

“It’s one of those things where right now you’re in the moment, so while the no-hitter is great and definitely something special to be a part of, at the same time it’s not something we’re going to get caught up in right now because the job’s not done,” Albers said.

“Maybe in a few years when I look back on it, it might be a little different, but right now it’s just about getting ready for that next game and trying to help the team out.”

Albers was also quick to give credit to his teammates. Offensively, Canada had the bats rolling with six runs through the first two innings, while those on the defensive side of the ball also came up large when called upon. Fellow pitchers Brendan McGuigan and Ben Onyshko finished the no-hitter for the Canadians with two strikeouts apiece over an inning each.

“The offense was great, and those runs early really lets you get in and be aggressive and settle in,” Albers said. “The fastball command was good last night, and [when needed] the defense was also really great behind me.”

“The infield was really solid and we made a couple nice plays in the outfield as well. So when you combine all those things, it’s usually a pretty good night and a great start to the tournament.”

That full-team performance is one Albers and his teammates will be looking to replicate Tuesday in their quick turnaround against Cuba. Albers expect them to be at their best following a tough 6-5 loss to Venezuela Monday to open the tournament.

“We know Cuba are going to be hungry coming into tonight, and it’s a big game,” he said. “Our offense did a great job last night, so hopefully they’re feeling good so we can score some runs again, and really put ourselves in a good situation.”

The Olympic qualifiers will run to the end of the week, with eight countries vying for a spot at the Tokyo Games this summer. The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Olympics outright, while the second and third-place teams will compete at a last-chance qualifier for the sixth and final spot at the Olympics.

Albers said having the chance to compete at the Olympic Games would be a truly unique accomplishment.

“It would certainly be one of those treasured moments,” Albers said. “It’s not something that comes around very often and to have the opportunity to do it would be pretty incredible and something that would be an amazing experience.”

Canada will play Cuba tonight (Tues) in St. Lucie, FLA. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time. They will then play Venezuela on Wednesday to wrap preliminary-round play.

To keep up to date with the latest scores, standings and more, head to the Olympic qualifier website; and for all the latest on Albers, head to the Andrew Albers Fan Club Facebook page.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

by Martin Martinson

Saskatchewan’s Andrew Albers leads Canada to 7-0 no-hitter in Olympic qualifiers

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