PERTH, AUSTRALIA – The Senior National Team's offence exploded right out of the gate as they would pound the Perth Heat in their second exhibition game by a score of 12-4.

Nine of the twelve Canadians who saw action in this game reached base.

The Canadians started things off with six runs in the first inning after the Heat scored one in their half of the inning. The first six hitters scored those six runs on two hits, three walks and two errors

Leading the way offensively were Jamie Romak (London, ON) who went 4-for-5 with a home run, double, five RBI and three runs scored. Jimmy VanOstrand (Richmond, BC) went 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored.

“I got a fastball pretty much in the middle of the plate, so it was a good pitch to drive,” says Romak of his seventh inning home run. “Right now I'm still working on my swing and trying to hit some balls well. Today everything went my way.”

“It was good today. I feel more comfortable and each day is getting better," says VanOstrand of his two hit night. "I was looking for pitches out on the plate that I can drive the other way.”

“One I hit well, the other I didn't but both of them work out," he adds with a laugh.

On the mound, Scott Richmond (Langley, BC), making his Team Canada debut, entered the game in the first inning with the Heat threatening with the bases loaded and only one out. He would get the next two hitters to strikeout and pop out to second to end the inning and the threat.

“It was a nice feeling to get out of that situation,” says Richmond. “I worked out of the stretch in the bullpen. (I) came in and felt confident and it was a big help.”

When all was said and done, Richmond threw five and 2/3 innings, allowing only three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts.

“Not bad for the first time out. I still need to fine tune some things and next time hopefully it'll be even better.”

Senior National Team Field Manager, Terry Puhl was once again pleased with the progress of the team and thinks things will only get better.

“We had a much better showing offensively. We got to see some pitches, we hit the ball a little more crisp and got a little long ball. We have a really nice offensive group," says Puhl. "Scotty Richmond did a really good job. He had an incredible first inning to slam the door and held them to only the one run. That situation could've been a lot worse.”

The Senior National team plays their third exhibition game against the Perth Heat on Friday, November 2 at 6:30 pm at the Stadium in Perth.

André Cormier
Manager, Media/Public Relations
Baseball Canada
613-748-5606
media@baseball.ca

BASEBALL CANADA – 1 November 2007