Forgie, Kokotailo, Piasentin, Weinmeyer propel Juniors past Padres
From left to right: Nolan Weinmeyer (Sidney, BC), Walker Kokotailo (Surrey, BC) and Tim Piasentin (Coquitlam, BC) were all key contributors to the Junior National Team’s 4-3 win over the San Diego Padres’ Dominican squad on Friday. Photo: Baseball Canada
October 25, 2024
Baseball Canada
The Junior National Team fended off a late rally from the San Diego Padres Dominican squad to secure a 4-3 win on Friday.
The Padres manufactured a run in the third to take an early 1-0 lead against Juniors starter Walker Kokotailo (Surrey, BC). That would be the only run the right-hander would allow. He pitched four innings and permitted just two hits while striking out four.
The breakthrough came in the fifth inning for the Canadians, starting with a well-executed bunt by Easton Kitura (Spruce Grove, Alta.) and an RBI single by Nolan Weinmeyer (Sidney, BC), which turned the game in Canada’s favor.
The Juniors would add to their lead via a Tim Piasentin (Coquitlam, BC) solo homer in the seventh that gave them a 3-1 lead.
Logan Forgie (Ottawa, Ont.) was the first out of the bullpen. He would strike out three in 3 2/3 scoreless innings.
After a defensive miscue sparked a Padres’ rally in the ninth, Canada’s defence held firm, as Weinmeyer induced a ground ball to third for the final out.