THUNDER BAY – Canada left a great first impression on the fans at Port Arthur Stadium Sunday night.
The hosts for the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation Women’s Baseball World Cup kicked things off with five runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back as they beat Mexico in a 7-2 affair.
“When you come out scoring like we did, especially after a long opening ceremony where you’re standing around and then getting up and down emotionally, it’s awesome to see,” Canada manager Anthony Pluta said.
“To get seven runs in the first two innings . . . you couldn’t ask for a better start.”
Andréanne Leblanc got things going when she was hit by a pitch with the bases already loaded to allow Ela-Day Bedard to cross home plate for the opening run.
Madison Willian made it to 2-0 on an RBI single and Zoe Hicks would clear the bases with a three-run double.
“Our goal today was to just attack,” said Hicks, who plays at third base.
“We sat back a bit in our exhibition games, so coming into the World Cup, we knew that we had to be ready by the first pitch.
“Every single person was trying to hit it hard and find a gap. We did that right from the jump today.”
Canada extended their lead in the top of the second when Sena Catterall scampered home on a throwing error by Mexican catcher Marcela Diaz.
Leblanc completed the scoring for the hosts with an RBI double later in the inning.
Alexane Fournier earned the win on the mound after striking out six batters and allowing two runs on two hits in five innings of work.
Michelle Roche pitched two shutout innings of relief.
Canada returns to action at 7 p.m. Monday against the six-time defending champions from Japan, who are also 1-0.
In a rematch of the 2018 final, which marked the last time that the tournament was held, Japan picked up a 9-4 triumph over Chinese Taipei on Sunday afternoon.
Leadoff hitter Iori Miura paced the offence for the title holders with a pair of doubles and two RBI.
The opening game of the competition was awarded to the United States via forfeit as Venezuela was unable to field a full lineup due to travel logistics issues.
As of Sunday night, Venezuela was expected to take to the field at 11 a.m. Monday for a matchup with Chinese Taipei.
The Americans are back in action at 3 p.m. against Mexico.
The full schedule for the tournament can be found on the event’s website.
