Hartman, Russell, Ryan, Taggart shine for Juniors in 4-3 loss to U.S.
From left to right: Sheamus Ryan (Calgary, Alta.), Aiden Taggart (Grimsby, Ont.) and Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.) had standout performances for the Junior National Team on Tuesday. Photo: Baseball Canada
July 30, 2024
Baseball Canada
The Junior National Team lost 4-3 to Team USA in the final tune-up game of the Pan-Am Qualifier Selection Camp.
Despite outhitting Team USA 8-5, the Canadians scored just three runs in the loss.
The Canadian offence was hot out of the gates, taking an early 1-0 lead after Anthony Clavet (Québec, Que.) drove in Eric Hartman (St. Albert, Alta.) with a double in the top of the first inning.
The Juniors added a run in the top of the fourth with a Tim Piasentin (Coquitlam, B.C.) RBI single that scored Ryan Stalony (Mississauga, Ont.), who had tripled.
Team USA responded with a two-run home run in the bottom half to tie the game at two runs apiece.
Canada regained their lead after a Hartman RBI single brought home Mason Ault (Hamilton, Ont.) in the top of the eighth inning.
But USA responded with a solo home run in the bottom half to tie the game again. They walked off the Canadians when a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch brought home the winning run.
On the mound, Keegan Russell (Whitby, Ont.) started for Canada. He struck out two batters in two no-hit innings to begin the game.
Aiden Taggart (Grimsby, Ont.) and Sheamus Ryan (Calgary, Alta.) each provided an inning of no-hit ball out of the Canadian bullpen.