IXTAPA – The Canadian Junior National Baseball Team committed seven errors and also left 15 runners on base against the United States in a 6-2 loss in a seven inning bronze medal game at the America’s World Junior Qualifier.

The seven errors overshadowed a solid performance by starting pitcher Ryan Kennedy of Calgary, Alberta. He allowed all six run to score, but only one run was earned in four and 2/3 innings pitched. He also only gave up three hits and four walks with three strikeouts.

Danny Britton-Foster of Ladysmith, B.C. came on in relief and threw two and 1/3 innings, allowing only two hits with three strikeouts.

“I thought we pitched well and we competed for most of the game. Obviously we needed to tighten things up defensively which hurt us today, but we competed and with some of the young guys we brought here that was the most encouraging thing,” says Junior National Team Head Coach Greg Hamilton.

Offensively, the Canadians scored their first run in the first inning when James Kottaras of Markham, Ontario scored on the RBI single from Leslie Williams of Scarborough, Ontario.

In the fourth inning, Carter Bell of Courtenay, B.C. came in to score the second run for the Juniors when Chad Stang of Surrey, B.C. drew an RBI walk.

After the game, the aforementioned Carter Bell and Chad Stang were both awarded the Top Shortstop Award and the Top Outfielder Award respectively.

“It wasn't really expected. I just go out there and play my game everyday and help the team win, but it's a plus,” says Bell of his Top Shortstop Award.

“It’s an honour to be recognized with some great players of the Pan-American region and to be recognized as an All-Star in the tournament,” says Stang of his Award.

In the gold medal game, Cuba beat Mexico by a score of 7-0 to claim the gold medal. By virtue of competing in the medal games, Cuba, Mexico, U.S.A. and Canada as the host country have all qualified for the 2008 World Junior Baseball Championship in Edmonton.

BASEBALL CANADA – 2 September 2007