FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2006
Canada Edged by Argentina at Pan Am Championships
(HERMOSILLO - Mexico) - Canada’s record dropped to 3-3 at the Pan American Softball Championship in Hermosillo, Mexico after a 1-0 loss to Argentina on Wednesday morning.
The Canadian offence was held in check throughout the game by Argentinean pitcher Sebastian Gervasutti who struck out 12 Canadian batters while allowing only 4 hits.
Argentina scored the lone run of the game in the top of the 4th inning when second baseman Pablo Montero lead off by slapping a single to left field. After Fernando Petric sacrificed Montero to 2nd, clean up hitter Bruno Momoni was hit by a Frank Cox (Owen Sound, ON) pitch. Julio Gamarci then blooped a single into center field to load the bases. Catcher Gustavo Guerrinieri then singled to left center scoring Montero. Momoni was thrown out at the plate by Canadian center fielder Jeff Ellsworth (Alberton, PE) ending the Argentina threat.
The only Canadian runners to advance past 2nd base were Ryan Wolfe (London, ON) and Ian Fehrman (Townsend, ON). Wolfe led off the 1st inning with a single, advanced to 2nd on a sacrifice bunt by Ellsworth and moved to third on an illegal pitch by Gervasutti. Despite the early pressure, the Argentinean hurler was able to strikeout Rob Gray (Toronto, ON) and Tim Macumber (Newport, NS) to end the threat. Fehrman led off the 5thwith a single, was bunted to 2nd by Scott Newitt (Delta, BC) and moved to 3rd on a ground out by Wolfe. Again, Canada was unable to capitalize as Ellsworth grounded out to 2nd to end the inning.
“We’ve been struggling offensively" stated Mark Smith, Head Coach. "Our defense has been solid and the pitching has been great but we’re not getting the hits when we need them.” “We’re still alright but we have to start scoring runs and stop putting up zeros. It’s frustrating” added Rob O’Brien (Elora, ON).
Canada resumes play tonight versus the Virgin Islands.
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For more information, please contact
Rick Picard
Director, Marketing and Communications
Softball Canada
rpicard@softball.ca
(613) 523-3386