Argentina knocks out Canada, will play Japan for softball world title
Argentina clinched a historic victory today to advance to its first ever final in history. The South American team beat Canada by a score of 7-0 in five innings and tomorrow will play the last game of the tournament against Japan.
Argentina clinched a historic victory today to advance to its first ever final in history. The South American team beat Canada by a score of 7-0 in five innings and tomorrow will play the last game of the tournament against Japan.
Argentina scored twice in the first inning off Devon McCoulough, on a 2-run homer by catcher Bruno Motroni. The Canadian pitcher walked Alan Peker in five pitches, then the speedy runner stole second base, and the throw went into center field to reach third with no outs. McCoulough struck out Teo Migliavacca and Santiago Carril hit a fly to right field recording two outs.
One inning later the Argentine lineup repeated the formula. Juan Zara drew a walk and one out later Federico Eder blasted an opposite-field home run to make it 4-0. Then Gian Scialacomo slapped a single to left field, and head coach John Stuart made a pitching change, giving the ball to Sean Cleary. McCoulough exited the game after 1.1 innings allowing 5 runs, 3 hits and 2 walks, with 2 strikeouts.
Scialacomo advanced to second on an illegal pitch and reached third on a bunt by Peker. Finally, he scored on a wild pitch to make it 5-0.
Argentina added two more runs in the top of the third, with a 2-RBI triple by Peker. Gustavo Godoy was hit by a pitch and Scialacomo bunted for a single. With two outs Peker launched a line drive to the left-centre field fence to plate both runners and make it 7-0.
Huemul Mata pitched the five innings for Argentina and clinched the shutout win. He fanned 9 and allowed only 2 hits and 1 walk.
For Canada, the loss was charged to McCullough.
Argentina will take on Japan tomorrow, in the last game of the tournament, to play For The Title of World Champion. Japan and Argentina have never won the title before, so tomorrow a new World Champion will be crowned.
