Cleary’s arm, Mayson’s bat stand out in Canada’s 6-0 win against Australia

Cleary’s arm, Mayson’s bat stand out in Canada’s 6-0 win against Australia
29/11/2022
Cleary tossed a complete game shutout giving up only two hits while striking out 11 opponents. It’s his second win of the tournament.

Sean Cleary pitched a two-hit masterpiece and Derek Mayson produced Canada’s first three runs in today’s key win over Australia to remain undefeated in the tournament. With the two teams qualified for the next stage, the outcome of the game has a direct impact in both team’s Super Round record. 

Cleary tossed a complete game shutout giving up only two hits while striking out 11 opponents. It’s his second win of the tournament. 

In the offensive side, Mayson had a massive game. The third baseman hit a solo shot off starter Jack Besgrove in the top of the second, and one inning later plated Brad Ezekiel with a long double to left center field. Mayson’s impressive afternoon was completed with a towering home run to right field in the sixth inning. He finished 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored.

Australia’s only two hits came off the bat of Callum Beashel and Joshua White. Besgrove was charged with the loss, allowing three hits and two runs against eight strikeouts.

Canada moves to 4-0 in Group B standings and tomorrow will close the Opening Round against Japan. Australia, now 3-1, will take on South Africa.

Quotes - Canada Coach John Stuart

"We have been preparing, preparing, preparing and everything we have talked about as a team, we managed to implement today. We made adjustments out on the plate, fantastic pitching, and a big shout out to Deryk Mason with two home runs and a double.

"Throughout the line-up – Bryan Abrey had a great game with some clutch hitting; Sean Cleary was at his best; and Ryan Boland called a great game.

"We just implemented everything that we had talked about.

"It was a statement performance. We had something to prove after we lost 2-0 to them (Australia) in Palmerston North last week and we were fully prepared.

"But it means nothing right now. It’s a win. It’s a big win but we have another huge game tomorrow against Japan. We can’t be over-confident. We have to be prepared for that one as well."

Australia Coach Laing Harrow

“We have always been strong in scoring runs early in our games. We missed that opportunity today and instead they came out in the next game and an 0-2 pitch goes out of the park.

"From that point we had difficulty grabbing any momentum back. It was credit to Canada for the way they swung the bat, especially Derek Mason – he was on fire today.

"But it doesn’t hurt us to lose. We got to learn from that and come back harder tomorrow.

"We’ve had times where we have come back from behind – we can do it, we are capable of doing it, but today wasn’t the day. It shows we have to get runs on the board early to help our pitchers out."