Canadian pitcher Steven Normand had nine strikeouts during Canada's 7-1 win over Israel on Saturday. Normand is seen getting set to deliver a pitch against Hong Kong, China during day one action on Wednesday. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Logan Lehmann

Day four recap

Playoffs set for final day at World Cup Qualifiers following round robin

Jul 13, 2024 | 9:53 PM

The schedule for Championship Sunday is set after day four at the Men’s Softball World Cup Group B Qualifiers in Prince Albert.

Canada’s game against Israel on Saturday marked the end of the round robin at the tournament, as the playoffs are now set to determine who will be coming back to Prince Albert for the World Cup in 2025.

With their two wins on Saturday, the World No. 1 Argentina finished the preliminary round with a perfect 5-0 record, capturing first seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile, New Zealand claimed the second seed at 4-1, Canada took third at 3-2, and Singapore placed fourth at 2-3.

For Hong Kong, China and Israel, they each placed fifth and sixth respectively and will start the fifth and final day of the tournament in placement game at 10:00 a.m.

After that game wraps up, Canada will face off with Singapore at 1:00 p.m. to determine who will play in the repechage, a game that will be played following the Finals to decide who will be the second team to clinch a spot at the 2025 World Cup.

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For example, Argentina and New Zealand will be playing in the Finals at 4:00 p.m. where the winner will punch their ticket to the World Cup, while the loser will play immediately after in the repechage at 7:00 p.m. against the winner of Canada and Singapore for a chance at the second ticket.

A full list of the standings can be found by clicking here.

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Canada closes out round robin with win over Israel

Canadian pitchers Steven Normand and Tyler Randerson combined for 14 strikeouts on day four of the Men’s Softball World Cup Group B Qualifiers on Friday, helping Canada defeat Israel 7-0 in six innings.

Normand started in the circle for the Canadians, managing nine strikeouts while scattering two hits in four innings. Coming in for relief in the fifth, Randerson continued Canada’s pitching dominance by adding another five K’s in two innings.

After a pair of scoreless innings, Canada broke the game wide open in the bottom of the third when they hung five runs on the Israelis, kickstarted by a two-run double by Jeff Lyons. It remained that way until the fifth when Dallas Kipfer hit a sacrifice fly that scored one. An inning later, Jordan Pomeroy sent a ball over the center field wall which ended the game in mercy rule, 7-0 for Canada.

BOX SCORE

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Argentina sweeps doubleheader, New Zealand splits

Argentina wrapped up the round robin with a flawless record at the World Cup Qualifiers, managing a pair of wins on Saturday.

The World No. 1 began day four against Singapore, where they made quick work of their opponent winning 15-0 in a swift three inning contest. The Argentinians managed five runs in the first, six in the second, and four in the third to mercy Singapore, which was highlighted by a Lucio Retamar grand slam in the opening inning.

BOX SCORE

In game two, powerhouse New Zealand butted heads with Argentina where they met their match as Argentina showed why they’re the best in the world, defeating N.Z., 4-1.

Argentina opened the scoring in the top of the second when Federico Olheiser smacked a triple that scored Ladislao Malarczuk. They later added three to their lead in the sixth with a Manuel Godoy two-run double and a Olheiser single.

New Zealand managed to break the ice in the sixth with a Cole Evans solo shot, but by then it was too late as Argentina shut the door to take it, 4-1.

BOX SCORE

In New Zealand’s second game of the day, they made quick work of Hong Kong, China.

The Black Sox defeated Hong Kong 12-0 in four innings, which included four total home runs with two from Reilly Makea, and one each from Te Wera Bishop and Cameron Watts.

BOX SCORE

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com