DOU-LIOU. 2012 Silver Medalist Canada has opened the XXVI 18U Baseball World Cup with a lopsided 16-3 victory over the Czech Republic. Canada scored six runs in the first three innings to overcome an early 1-2 deficit and blew things wide open with seven runs in the ninth.
Power-hitting corner outfielders Gareth Morgan and Tyler O’Neill sparked the Canadian offense with strong performances. O’Neill led all batters by going 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, three runs scored and five RBI. Morgan also went deep, while driving in three. Tomas Janoud doubled and drove in two of the three Czech runs.
Except for some sloppy defensive plays – Canada committed four errors – last year’s runner-up dominated the game. Connor Noble received the win, allowing just two hits, three runs (1 ER) and four walks in six strong innings. Mitchell Bigras retired nine of the ten batters he faced to close it out.
Tomas Ondra took the loss, conceding six hits, six runs (5 ER) and two base on balls in just 2 2/3 innings. Adam Kral and Jan Gorecky weren’t able to stop Canada either, pitching in relief.
