Day 2 – Pan Am Men’s Fastball (with preview)

14:00 SB001 Argentina V.Mexico (11am on the West Coast)
16:30 SB001 Dominican Republic v. Venezuela (1:30pm on the West Coast)
19:00 SB001 Canada v. United States (4:00pm on the West Coast)

Preview:
(This was dictated for expediency; email me if you spot errors please, jim [at] fastpitchwest.com)

Yesterday’s picks by the Editor:Two out of three, Right on the United States over the Dominican Republic and Canada over Mexico; wrong on Argentina against Venezuela.

Venezuela had beaten Argentina at both the WBSC last month and at the Pan Am qualifier last November but the Argentines prevailed because of their strength — a deep pitching staff. The youngster Roman Godoy tossed five scoreless innings and got help from veteran Juan Potoliccio when Venezuela threatened in the sixth. Potoliccio entered the game with two on and struck out the side.

Today’s Games

Argentina v..Mexico

Editor’s pick: Argentina

Mexico battled WBSC gold medalist Canada, scoring five runs, and forced Canada to go to their bullpen, proving they can score runs. But Argentina’s pitching staff will prevail, whomever they send to the circle. Both of Mexico’s top two pitchers, (Escobedo and Villavazo) had to go against Canada, while Argentina will have fresh arms available. Perhaps Gervasutti or Mata, with Potoliccio standing guard in the bullpen. Mexico’s best shot is to stop Bruno Motroni, as he’s providing most of the Argentine offense. But in the end, Argentina wins this one with its pitching.

Dominican Republic v. Venezuela

Editor’s pick: Venezuela

Venezuela pitcher Erik Urbaneja went yesterday in their loss to Argentina, so that spells trouble for the Dominican Republic, having to likely face the hard throwing Ramon Jones. Jones was the ace of the Venezuela staff at the WBSC, tossing two one-hit shutouts in his last two outings down the stretch towards the bronze medal finish – including one against this Dominican Republic squad.

The Dominican Republic finished the round-robin portion of the WBSC with a surprising 6-1 record. Since then, they have lost three straight, to the New Zealand Black Sox, Venezuela and the United States, in a 10-0 rout yesterday. The Dominican Republic did beat Jones in the last round-robin game at Saskatoon, but was throttled by him in one of his two one-hit shutouts in the playoff round when it really counted.

Expect the DR coaching staff to put yesterday’s game behind them and compete with Venezuela. In the end though, I think the Jones factor wins out. If the Pan-American games were being televised ( as we all wish they were), this game would provide great opportunities for the highlight reel as both teams flash the leather with their defensive prowess. Fans usually come to games to see the offense generate excitement but for true aficionados of the defensive aspects of the game, this will be one to watch.

Canada v. United States

Editors pick: Toss the predictions and decide it on the field

Months ago we told fastball fans to put this game on their calendar, so they didn’t miss it. A lot has happened since then with these two teams taking much different paths at the WBSC.

Canada dominated play at Saskatoon , and captured the gold medal, while the United States struggled, failing to make the playoff round, finishing ninth as the consolation bracket champion. Don’t expect the consolation title to provide much salve in the Americans wounds from Saskatoon. They welcomed the trip to Toronto as a chance to turn the page and prove that they could play with the world’s best teams, showing their resolve with a resounding 10-0 rout of the Dominican Republic on opening day yesterday.

The United States got off to a similar start at the WBSC, with a Tony Mancha-led 7-0 win over Mexico, so I doubt they’ll be overconfident. Canada used a combination of Paul Koert and Andy Skelton yesterday against Mexico meaning that their ace Sean Cleary will be fresh and rested for the Americans. Canada’s Steve Mullaley has been other worldly of late, picking up yesterday where he left off in Saskatoon.

In a now well-known story, in the gold-medal game, Mullaley had three home runs, including a grand slam , and seven RBI. Yesterday in Toronto, he had three more hits, three RBI and four runs scored. If ever a player should arrive at the plate with a red flag warning, right now it’s Stephen Mullaley. No doubt the coaching staff the of the United States have taken note, and will avoid pitching to the “Beast from the East” when situations allow.

But Canada’s offensive prowess is not limited to just Mullaley. There is plenty more firepower throughout the lineup. Jeff Ellsworth seems to be on base perpetually, and provides the ignition of the top of the order. In yesterday’s game against Mexico, Ian Ferhman and Brandon Horn each had 2 RBI each, as did pitcher Andy Skelton. The Canadian offense will do enough damage on its own, so it will be important for the Americans to eliminate free passes and defensive miscues if they are to surprise Canada in this one tonight.

The Americans have the motivation factor going, with something to prove. The question is whether it can overcome a Canadian team which has proven itself to be the best in the world. On paper it’s the WBSC’s first-place team versus the ninth place team, but the Canadians are much too savvy to take this one lightly. Look for both teams to try to score runs early and get the other’s ace out of the game. No bulletin board material for this game — play it on the field.