Canada's Open Team Opens With Convincing Win Over Mexico
You couldn't ask for a better start to the tournament for Canada's Men's Open softball team.
Facing Team Mexico in their first round-robin game on Wednesday, Team Canada jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a leadoff home run courtesy of RF Randy Hoffman. The red and white would never look back, as the man known as "Hollywood" would add three more hits, including his second home run of the game in the 4th, along with a game-high 5 RBI to pace Canada to a 13-2 rout over Mexico in four innings at Ma'or.
Afterwards, Hoffman received the team chain as Game MVP and offered his take on how he was able to set the tone early for Canada.
Catcher Sean Dollinger also went deep for Canada, while SS Rob Bohbot scored three runs and CF Steve Osterer added two hits and two RBI to pace the 13-run attack. Dolly's three-run homer was part of a 6-run, 6th inning that put the game out of reach and propelled Canada to a mercy win (10-run lead after 4 innings).
Bohbot was forced to wear Head Coach Dan Berlin's #22 jersey after his luggage failed to arrive in time for the game (NOTE: If anyone has any knowledge of the whereabouts of Bo's luggage, please let us know. He's starting to get a bit smelly).
Pitcher Josh McKinlay picked up the win for Canada, allowing no earned runs over four innings of work.
Third baseman Paul Foucault Jr. had a memorable Maccabi debut. He doubled in his first at-bat and would go on to score two runs for Canada. But his most memorable moment came on defence. With the bases loaded, PJ fielded a ground ball and stepped on third to record the force out on a close play. The Mexico runner decided to try and take out the young, strapping Foucault (think Paul Bunyan with a softball glove), but instead he ended up on his keister with a face full of dirt.
Canada next plays Team USA at 8 a.m. local time on Thursday before heading off to the official opening ceremonies in Jerusalem Thursday evening.
