Editor’s note: As readers might have noticed, we’ve been covering the exploits of the USA men’s team at the Pan-American games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on a game by game basis, thanks in large part to the great coverage coming from Katie Willis/USA Softball communication staff, as well as the Live Video Stream, which has been excellent. Information on other teams has been a little harder to come by for us. With that in mind, I asked my friend Blair Setford to provide an update on our neighbor to the north, Team Canada, which is currently atop pool beat with a perfect 6-0 record. His summary is below.
Information courtesy of Blair Setford:
Canada is alone in first place in Pool B with a 6-0 record and playing an always tough Mexico on Wednesday. The Canadians have by turns been good and lucky to remain undefeated. Against Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Belize, the Canadians bats were dominant.
Guatemala played with a lead against Canada for 4 innings before the world bronze medallists rallied late. Fortune smiled on Canada in their wins against both Argentina and Panama as throwing errors by the opposition provided the margin of victory in both games.
Catcher Kyle Cowick and outfielder Ben Wideman have led the way offensively for Canada, putting up big HR and RBI numbers, along with key contributions from Kyle Ezekiel.
Devon McCullough is the ace for Canada this week and was nearly untouchable against Argentina, allowing only an unearned run.
Canada has a very deep staff in Santo Domingo with Ryan French, Scott Leiph, Tyler Randerson, Pat Burns, Jason Hill and Bryn Redhead all very capable, if somewhat similar, as hard-throwing righthanders.
Provided they keep hitting, and avoid the costly errors which have plagued them at this event in the past, expect to see Canada on the medal podium and prohibitively in the gold medal game.
Is there any concern for the players in light of the hurricanes ?
Here is a note from Team Canada’s coach, on Tuesday: http://www.fastpitchwest.com/?p=31661