Juniors down Guatemala 13-3 in U18 Pan Am Championship opener
The Junior National Team defeated Guatemala 13-3 in their opening game of the U18 Pan Am Championship tournament in Panama City, Panama on Friday. Photo: Baseball Canada
August 2, 2024
Baseball Canada
Panama City, Panama. – The Junior National Team defeated Guatemala 13-3 in their opening game of the U18 Pan Am Championship tournament in Panama City, Panama on Friday.
They clinched the win in five innings due to the mercy rule.
The victory puts the Canadians in the driver seat of Group A with a 1-0 record.
Top Performers:
The Canadian offence was relentless from the start, scoring in every inning and capitalizing on key opportunities.
Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.) got things rolling at the top of the lineup, scoring three runs in a perfect 3-for-3 day at the dish.
Batting fifth and starting at first base, Leo Cote (Ayer’s Cliff, Que.) went 2-for-3 and scored three runs while driving in four.
Dante Smith (Ajax, Ont.) was a spark at the bottom on the lineup, picking up two hits and scoring a pair of runs.
Mason Ault (Hamilton, Ont.) delivered the final blow of the game when he drove in his second run with a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the fifth. The Canadian catcher finished 2-for-4.
Pitching Highlights:
Canadian starter Adyn Schell (Toronto, Ont.) ran into trouble after 1 2/3 innings as he allowed three runs on four hits and three walks, while punching out three.
Jacob Wallace (Pincourt, Que.) entered the game in relief and showcased excellent command and poise on the mound, escaping a bases loaded jam to start his outing. Wallace then navigated through Guatemala’s lineup, permitting only a hit while striking out six in 2 1/3 innings to earn the win.
Simon Baker (Cochrane, Alta.) struck out the side to hold Guatemala scoreless in the fifth.
Looking Ahead:
With the win, Canada sets a strong tone for the U18 Pan American Championship. The Juniors are set to take on Nicaragua at 7:30 PM E.T. on Saturday at the Estadio Juan D. Arosemena