From the Toronto Star
Latin countries improving to the point where Pan Am Games are no longer a tournament dominated by two countries.
By Mark Zwolinski Sports reporter
Canada’s history with Pan Am Games men’s softball has been nothing but golden — they won seven straight, after all — and that focus was alive and well after Wednesday night’s 6-2 win over the Dominican Republic.
Canada improved to 4-0 in the six-team tournament, which returned to the Games after absences in 2007 and 2011. It’s no surprise they are heavily favoured, having won the world championships earlier this month in Saskatoon.
Still, Canada’s softballers are much like Canadians: they take nothing for granted and praise their competition, especially the Latin countries, for improving their programs to the point where this is no longer a tournament dominated by the home country and the Americans.
“Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, they’ve gotten stronger in their pitching,” said Steve Mullaley, Canada’s cleanup hitting first baseman. He’s considered one of the best hitters in the world.
“They’re getting more and more experience, they’re sending their pitchers to spend the summer in the U.S. to play in the ISC (International Softball Congress). You have Juan Potolicchio from Argentina, and Ramon Jones from Venezuela, and they’re now considered two of the best in the world. Click here to continue reading at the Toronto Star.