01/06/2021 1 Minute Read

Andrew Albers, bullpen no-hit Colombia as Canada secures first win at WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier

The 35-year-old from North Battleford, Saskatchewan stuck out seven on the night, including five in a row during a stretch that spanned the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Andrew Albers tossed seven no-hit innings and two relievers followed to complete a no-hitter as Canada defeated Colombia 7-0 in the second game of Group B play on Monday night at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Canada scored twice in the first inning against Colombia starter Erling Moreno, with both runs coming in on ground balls to short.

Canada added four more runs in the second, highlighted by Jacob Robson’s bases loaded triple that blew the game wide open. Robson finished the game 3-for-4 with two runs scored in addition to the three driven in.

Eric Wood added the seventh and final run of the night for Canada with a solo shot in the seventh, but the real story of the night was the pitching.

Albers was masterful, allowing just two base runners - both in the first inning - on a hit by pitch and a fielder’s choice. The 35-year-old from North Battleford, Saskatchewan stuck out seven on the night, including five in a row during a stretch that spanned the third, fourth and fifth innings. A Tyson Gillies diving catch in the top of the sixth denied Colombia a hit off the bat of centerfielder Brayan Buelvas.

Albers turned it over to Brendan McGuigan in the eighth and the 25-year-old struck out a pair before Ben Onyshko finished the no-no in the ninth.

Sugar Ray Marimon turned in his own sparkling performance for Colombia, allowing just one hit in 4 1/3 innings of relief that included nine strikeouts.

Colombia (0-1) will get back in action tomorrow afternoon against Venezuela (1-0) at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie while Canada (1-0) will look to stay unbeaten as they face Cuba (0-1) in the nightcap.