Canada falls to New England Riptide by a score of 6-5
(Kitchener, ON) - With two wins under their belt, the Senior Women's Canadian National Team took to the field at Peter Hallman Ball Yard in Kitchener, ON facing the New England Riptide of the National Pro Fastpitch League in the first game of a four game mini series.
The offence came early for Canada as they opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning as Melanie Matthews (Surrey, BC) scored on an over throw pick off attempt on Sheena Lawrick (Calgary, AB) at first base. The offence continued in the bottom of the second with Matthews who singled to score Erin Cumpstone (Saskatoon, SK) who reached on a walk and Rachel Schill (Kitchener, ON) who reached with a single. Kristy Odamura (Richmond, BC), rounded out the scoring stealing home on a wild pitch.
Robin Mackin received the start in the circle for Canada allowing only 4 hits in 6 innings and giving up only 1 run on a solo homerun by Lindy Winkler (San Andreas, CA).
The New England Riptide rallied in the top of the sixth inning scoring five runs to take the lead for the first time in the game. Winkler doubled in the top of the sixth with the bases loaded and one out scoring Mariangee Bogado (Mariara, Venezuela), Jackie Pasquerella (Bayshore, NY) and Kristin Vesely (Phoenix, AZ). Winkler had 4 Rbi's and 1 homerun on the night.
U.S.A Olympian Danielle Henderson (Commack, NY) received the start for the Riptide and was relived by Jocelyn Forest (Berkeley, CA) in the bottom of the second inning after allowing four runs. Forest handcuffed Canada's offence allowing only one run in 5 innings pitched.
The loss came as a surprise for the 500 fans in attendance who seen a four run lead disappear in the top of the sixth inning. "Overall I am very pleased with the team's performance" admitted Lori Sippel, Head Coach of the Women's National Team. "There were so many things that we did right tonight, everybody contributed. We faced quality pitching and we need to have these opportunities to become a better team. The players came through on all the individual areas that they have been working on. If we are able to continue to learn in increments, leading up to the Canada Cup, then all of this training has been well worth it."
Canada will look to even up the series Friday night, June 23rd at Old Fairgrounds in Brampton, Ontario. The tour will return to Peter Hallman Ball Yard for the final two games scheduled for Saturday, June 24th and Sunday, June 25th. For tickets, please visit www.softball.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Rick Picard
Director, Marketing and Communications
Softball Canada
rpicard@softball.ca
(613) 523-3386 ext. 3105
(613) 558-4663 (Cell)
rpicard@softball.ca
