In its first game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Canada achieved what it had never done before: score 18 points!
The victim of the maple leaf was Great Britain, who lost their flag 18-8 in this Group C duel. This confrontation was presented live on TVA Sports 2.
It was Canada’s first match of this competition and thus ensures not to relive the humiliation of 2017, where it had accumulated a record of three defeats in as many duels.
The Canadiens’ 18 points are a new club record. The previous mark was 11 points and was obtained in 2006 against South Africa.
However, the game against Great Britain did not start on a positive note for Canada. Indeed, starter Cal Quantrill allowed three earned runs on two hits and gave up four free passes in just two-thirds of innings.
Sent as savior to the mound, Quebecer Philippe Aumont succeeded in his delicate mission. It was ultimately he who recorded the victory. He spent an inning and a third on the mound.
After that disappointing first half, Canada’s offense took matters into their own hands and drove in five runs. Édouard Julien got the ball rolling with a solo circuit. He became the 12th player in World Classic history to stretch his arms during his first appearance at the plate in this competition.
The long ball for Édouard Julien –
The Minnesota Twins’ second base prospect finished his game with an RBI, three runs scored, and walked four bases.
His fellow Quebecer Abraham Toro had two hits and produced three runs in four at bats.
Canada will return to action on Tuesday with a matchup against the United States. On view at TVA Sports from 10 p.m.
