麻豆社区

In the second game of the ISF Women's World Fastpitch Championships, Canada continued to display their offensive firepower, defeating Mexico 8-0 and improving their record to 2-0.

Leading the way for Canada was a rookie, 19-year-old Carey-Leigh Thomas.

Thomas, who hails from Ohsweken, Ontario blasted two balls out of the park while collecting four RBIs on the night.

"She had a big night at the plate,鈥� said Canada head coach, Mark Smith.

"We got our runs in bunches and we made the adjustments we needed to make. We had a good day offensively.鈥�

After facing a trio of high-speed pitchers the night before against Chinese Taipei, Canada had to adjust to the slower speed and increased movement of Mexico starter Cynthia Valenciano.

Valenciano blanked the Canadians over the first two innings, allowing only one hit until Thomas started the third with a solo shot to left field.

The momentum carried over to the fourth inning where Canada collected five runs on four hits.

Sheena Lawrick and Kaleigh Rafter got things going with back to back singles and with Victoria Hayward brought in to pinch run for Rafter, Caitlin Lever brought her home on a single to left field.

Another single by Jennifer Gilbert brought in Hayward and with runners on the corners, Thomas stepped up and crushed her second home run of the evening, this time to straight away centre field.

"The team is starting to find their rhythm offensively,鈥� said Smith.

"In an event like this we have to get better each game. We're getting it from everybody and I think that's the most important thing. It's seldom that you have nine hitters seeing the ball well at the same time but if you have three or four you're going to score some runs and that's what's working for us.鈥�

Thomas said after struggling earlier in the day at batting practice she was able to find her focus during the game.

"Coach gave me a few words of encouragement and some pointers and said to be patient. I just waited for the right pitch and took the opportunity,鈥� she said.

After Thomas broke open the scoring in the top of third with her first home run, the Canadian team gained more confidence at the plate.

"As a team that's what starts it,鈥� said Thomas.

"Once one person gets a big hit, everyone starts getting that confidence and that energy and everyone does their part.鈥�

Canada faced their first real test on Sunday night, when they took on an experienced and talented Japanese squad.

The Japanese team was unbeatable at the Canadian Open Fastpitch International in Surrey, B.C., winning gold and defeating the U.S. 9-6 in the final.

Canada placed fourth overall after losing the bronze medal game to Australia, 7-0.

It was a disappointing finish after an uncharacteristically error-prone tournament for Canada.

"We're going to have to play probably our best game of the tournament tomorrow night,鈥� said Smith on Saturday night.

"The Japanese are very masterful at putting the ball in play and our defence knows they are going to have to be up to the task. Their pitching will be as good as there is in the tournament so we're going to have to make adjustments at the plate as well.

"There's always going to be two or three games in your round-robin which are against the best teams which you really need to play well in so tomorrow night will be a big test for us.鈥�