Junior Men's Worlds - Day 3

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Canada remains undefeated with a thrilling 3-1 win over New Zealand
(Whitehorse, Yukon) – Even a frigid combination of cold weather and rain did not drive many fans out of the ballpark on this night, as the Yukon faithful were treated to a thrilling game between Canada and New Zealand at the ISF Junior Men’s World Championships. The many fans who braved the weather witnessed a masterful performance by Canadian pitcher Devon McCullough (Saskatoon, SK), who held New Zealand’s bats in check all night long and made the big pitches when he needed them the most. Terrell Walker (Balcarres, SK) had the key hit to propel Canada to a 3-1 win at the Pepsi Softball Center.

All three of Canada’s runs came in the top of the second inning, as McCullough, Dylan Cunningham (Belwood, ON) and Shane Boland (Goulds, NL) all drew walks, loading the bases with two outs. Walker then came up with a clutch two-run single to right center field, which happened to be the hardest hit of the night. Walker then attempted a double steal with a runner on third and the kiwi catcher sailed the ball to centerfield, allowing Boland to score from third while Walker was thrown out at home trying to score as well.

New Zealand’s only run came in the bottom of the fifth inning, despite constant threats with runners on the bases. McCullough was able to pull through each time, mixing his pitches and hitting his spots all night long. He struck out 11 batters, scattering five hits and three walks in seven innings of play for the complete game gem.

Despite only collecting four hits on the night, the Canadian batters were very patient at the plate and Walker’s timely hit proved to be the difference. Canada’s offence forced seven walks, while the four hits came off the bats of Walker, Boland, Cunningham and Dan Mitchell (Paris, ON).

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For more information, please contact:

Gilles LeBlanc
Manager: Marketing and Communications Services
Softball Canada
(613) 523-3386 ext 3105
gleblanc@softball.ca

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