Juniors secure thrilling 4-3 win over Mexico at U18 Pan American Championship
Shortstop Owen Gregg (Oakville, Ont.) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a run in the fourth inning of Canada’s 4-3 win over Mexico at the U18 Pan American Championship on Sunday. Photo: Baseball Canada
August 4, 2024
Baseball Canada
PANAMA CITY, Panama — The Canadian Junior National Team registered a thrilling, 4-3 victory over Mexico in their third game of the Group phase at the U18 Pan American Championship on Sunday.
The game started as a classic pitchers’ duel, with both teams' defences and pitching staffs keeping the score tight.
Canada’s starter Sean Duncan (Port Coquitlam, B.C.) picked up four strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings, allowing a pair of earned runs on five hits and three walks.
Canada scored all four of their runs in the fourth inning. Timothy Piasentin (Coquitlam, B.C.) got hit by a pitch to start the frame, followed by an Anthony Clavet (Quebec City, Que.) walk. This set the stage for Leo Cote (Ayer’s Cliff, Que.) who singled to centre field to drive in Piasentin and Clavet, putting Canada up 2-0. Cote now leads the tournament in RBIs (6) and runs (5).
Tommy Hanger (Toronto, Ont.) later delivered an RBI double to cap the four-run inning for the Canadians.
The fifth inning saw Team Mexico get within striking distance, chasing Duncan from the game.
Canada's bullpen took over with Keegan Russell (Whitby, Ont.) preserving the lead after escaping a first and third jam. The right-hander then proceeded to hold Mexico hitless through 2 1/3 innings to earn the save.
Looking Ahead
With this hard-fought win, Canada remains undefeated in the U-18 Pan American Championship, improving their record to 3-0. The Canadians will enjoy a well-earned day off on Monday before being back in action against the Dominican Republic at the Estadio Juan D. Arosemena on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. E.T.