Canada set to take on Japan in Premier12 warm up series
The Canadian national team, managed by Ernie Whitt (second from right) and with Scott Mathieson (far right) on its pitching staff, will take on Japan in two exhibition games prior to the start of the WSBC Premier12 tournament. Photo: Getty Images
October 30, 2019
By Adam Morissette
Baseball Canada
OKINAWA, Japan – The Canadian Men’s Baseball Team will face world No. 1 Japan in the ENEOS SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES, in a pair of exhibition contests at Okinawa Cellular Stadium on Thursday and Friday as both teams prepare for the upcoming World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier12.
“We’re excited and honoured to be facing Japan, a country with an extremely rich and historic baseball tradition,” said Canadian Manager Ernie Whitt. “These games are important for our team as we prepare for Premier12 so facing such a strong opponent as Japan will be a great test for our players.”
Canada will start Gatineau, Québec native Phillippe Aumont in game one of the series while Scott Richmond (Vancouver, BC), Brandon Marklund (Vancouver, BC), Evan Rutckyj (Windsor, Ont.), Dustin Molleken (Regina, Saks) and Scott Mathieson (Aldergrove, BC), a pitching legend in Japan from his time with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yomiuri Giants, all expected to see action.
Follow the ENEOS SAMURAI JAPAN SERIES:
October 31st, 6AM ET
Canada vs Japan
November 1st, 6AM ET
Japan vs Canada