October 22, 2024

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team opened their Fall Instructional League Camp in the Dominican Republic with an 11-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs Dominican squad.

Box Score

Early offensive momentum saw Canada strike in the top of the first inning, with Phillip Cheong (Richmond Hill, Ont.) scoring on a Robert Omidi (Mississauga, Ont.) triple to give the Junior National Team a 1-0 lead.

However, the Cubs answered quickly in the bottom of the inning with a two-run homer from their clean-up hitter, pushing them ahead 3-1. Despite strong at-bats and several walks, the Junior National Team struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving runners on base in multiple innings.

The Junior National Team made a final push in the ninth inning, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback against a strong Cubs’ pitching staff.

William Labonte (Montreal, Que.) and Logan Forgie (Ottawa, Ont.) split the pitching duties for the Junior National Team, but the Cubs’ timely hitting and aggressive base running sealed the victory.

Game 2

In the second game of the doubleheader, the Junior National Team displayed resilience, battling until the final out.

Despite falling behind early, the Canadians remained focused and competitive throughout the game but fell, 6-2.

Box Score

The JNT pitching staff, led by Mathis McKenna (Rigaud, Que.), showed composure, working efficiently through five innings and keeping the game within reach. Max Poirier (Nanaimo, BC) struck out six in the backend of the game in his three innings in relief.

The team's breakthrough came in the top of the ninth inning. After shortstop Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) reached base on an error, Tim Piasentin (Coquitlam, BC) delivered a timely double to centre field, driving in Lascelles to put the team on the board.

Félix Gosselin (Drummondville, Que.) followed up with a clutch single to right field, bringing home Piasentin while collecting his third hit of the game to finish with a perfect 3-for-3 day at the plate.