Canada takes down top-ranked Japan in Premier12 warm-up

Canada takes down top-ranked Japan in Premier12 warm-up
31/10/2019
Canada used a six-run second inning to fend off top-ranked Japan, 6-5, in game one of a two-game exhibition series to warm-up for the WBSC Premier12

OKINAWA, Japan – Canada used a six-run second inning to fend off top-ranked Japan, 6-5, in game one of a two-game exhibition series to warm-up for the WBSC Premier12 before a crowd of 14,858 Thursday night at Okinawa Cellular Stadium.

“Anytime we take the field we want to win so to do so against a quality team like Japan is a bonus for us,” said Canadian National Team Manager Ernie Whitt following the game. “To have the opportunity to play Japan, one of the top teams in the world, and compete with them and beat them is quite pleasing.”

After a scoreless first inning Canada got to Japan starting pitcher Shun Yamaguchi in the second inning sending 11 men to the plate and using four hits including a three-run double off the bat of Eric Wood to jump out to a 6-0 lead.

Phillippe Aumont pitched three scoreless innings allowing just one hit while walking two and striking out one batter to earn the win.

Scott Mathieson, who recently announced his retirement from professional baseball after eight seasons with Japan’s Yomiuri Giants, picked up the save.

“It’s an honour to play for my country and pitch against the best that Japan has,” he said. “I love playing for Team Canada and I hope that I can play against Japan again in the (Premier12) Super Round.”

The series will conclude on Friday, with probable starters Shota Imanaga for Japan and Canadian Rob Zastryzny.

Photo: Samurai Japan/Getty Images.