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Canada unveils secret weapon: big Mac Fischer, in win over Hong Kong

Jul 12, 2018 | 10:56 PM

With the exception of one pinch hit appearance, Mac Fischer sat and watched Team Canada play for almost all first four games of the XII WBSC Junior Men’s Softball World Championship on the bench, waiting for his chance to shine at the world stage.

That chance came on Thursday and he didn’t disappoint. Fischer went 3-3 with a home run, a triple, and a single in Canada’s 10-0 win over Hong Kong.  On the mound, Fischer struck out eight of the 13 batters he faced through four innings, and gave up just one single in that time. The victory gives Canada a perfect 5-0 record, and puts them on top of Group B. They’ll take on Australia (5-1) on Friday to kick off the playoffs.

“I knew I had to wait for my turn. Innings aren’t given out, so you have to earn your innings,” Fischer said. “I knew once I got the chance, I had to run with it and do the best I could. I think I did a pretty good job. Hopefully, it leads to more playing time.”

When Canada first baseman Troy Kosmynka was asked about Fischer’s performance, a smile slowly rose to his face.

“That was awesome that Mac got into the game, finally smashed the ball,” Kosmynka said. “He pitched really well for us. He’s just a really good player all-around, he’s a good utility guy, he can play anywhere I think.”

Canada usually doesn’t get in the habit of letting their pitchers hit as to avoid injury, but Fischer was crushing the ball in batting practice earlier that Canada head coach Jeff Ellsworth said he didn’t have much of a choice.

“Mac’s done really well, he can swing it,” Ellsworth said. “Sometimes, we make a rule that pitchers don’t normally hit, so they don’t get injured on the bases but we felt tonight that Mac was going to give us a good performance on the mound and in BP today, he was ripping the cover off the ball. So we decided to put him in. He did really well at the dish, as well.”

Although he needed to wait until Thursday to get his first action, Fischer has enjoyed the worlds experience as much as anybody in the tournament.

“I’ve never played anything close to this,” Fischer said, the Teeswater, Ontario product. “It’s pretty special to have the success we’re having on home soil and have all the fans here to watch. It’s pretty amazing.”

Shellbrook’s Ryan Smith started in left field for Canada. In his three at bats, Smith hit a double, flied out to the warning track and walked. He also crossed the plate twice.

As a pinch hitter, Dawson Sellick hit a home run in his only at bat of the game, a two-run shot in the bottom of the fourth inning.

With the win, Canada will play Australia in their first playoff game, 8 p.m. on Friday at Rotary Field.

“Going into tomorrow night, the boys are super excited for a battle against Australia,” Ellsworth said. “They’re another great ball club that’s coached really well. They have tremendous pitching and great hitting, so it’s going to be a good test.”

Elegant Ellsworth

After the game for his postgame interviews, Ellsworth bashfully and slowly approached the media tent and the two cameras with a bright pink Paw Patrol bag, along with a teal strap, tossed over his left shoulder. It was signed by all of Team Canada.

Ellsworth explained that his odd, but amazing, fashion choice was a team punishment of sorts.

“This is called our accountability bag. After the game was over, I neglected to mention one coach’s name to speak in the huddle,” Ellsworth said. “It’s a repeat offence so I have the bag, double-time now.”

Japan 3 Australia 2

The Australians (5-1) were less than a foot away from tying the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, instead, they’ll have to settle with a 3-2 defeat to defending champions Japan (6-0).

Down 3-1 in the game’s final inning with a runner on, Australian third baseman Ryan King ripped one to the right field fence and hit the very top of the wall. Had the ball been less than a foot higher, the Australians would have equalized.

Japanese catcher Koki Sato hit the eventual game winning home run in the top of the sixth inning. Short stop Hiroshi Sakata was 3-3 at the plate. Sakata has been very productive throughout the tournament, ranking second in average (.706), first in hits (12), tied for first in home runs (2), tied for first in stolen bases (five) and tied for second in runs scored (seven).

Japan will face New Zealand in their playoff match up at 5:30 p.m. at Rotary Field.

New Zealand 10 Guatemala 0

The New Zealanders (4-1) locked up second place in Group B with their 10-0 win over Guatemala (1-4). New Zealand scored seven of their runs in the top of the second, and added the other three in the fourth inning. New Zealand short stop Kody Clueard led offensively, going 2-3 at the plate with three runs batted in and one run scored.

Czech Republic 6 U.S.A. 5

The Czech Republic (3-2) jumped ahead of the standings over the Americans (2-3) with a 6-5 victory. It was a sloppy game for both sides as they combined for six errors, for on the Czech side, but they were able to come through late. The Czechs did most of their damage in the second inning, scoring four runs. Vojtech Buchner was 2-2 at the plate with two RBI’s, a run scored a two walks.

For a wrap up on the early Thursday games and Wednesday’s four matches, click here.

 

jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW