Men's Open Day 2: Opening Ceremonies and a Shutout Over Team USA

Canada's first real test came in their second round-robin game vs. Team USA. And the Men's Open team showed they were up for the challenge.

One day after defeating Mexico 13-2 to open the tournament, Canada made another early statement at the 20th Maccabiah by shutting out the Americans 4-0 at Ma'or on Thursday.

The game remained scoreless through the first four innings, with both teams failing to take advantage of scoring chances. Team USA squandered a golden chance to score first in the bottom of the fourth inning, with runners on the corners and only one out. But Canadian pitcher Jason Dinetz induced a double play ball off the bat of C Aaron Owens to end the threat.

Canada finally broke through the very next inning. In the top of the fifth, following back-to-back singles by SS Rob Bohbot and pinch-hitter Sean Dollinger, LF Randy Hoffman delivered a triple to the gap in left-centre to plate both runs and give Canada a 2-0 lead. He would later score on a wild pitch by USA pitcher Jason Gluckman to make it 3-0. "Hollywood" capped off another great day at the plate with another triple in the 7th, scoring on an RBI groundout by Josh McKinlay.

Dinetz teamed up with Canada catcher Rocko Goodman for a two-hit shutout while striking out six to earn the win.

Jacob Osterer - making his Maccabi Games debut - earned the defensive play of the game with a spectacular catch in right field that left a mark on the game ... and his back. Osterer back-pedalled to the track before crashing into the metal fence in right, somehow managing to hang on to the ball while falling to the ground to end the sixth inning. As he ran gingerly back to the dugout, I asked him to stop so I could see if he was alright. "Can't stop, coach," he replied, while wincing. "Gotta run away from the pain." He would be A-OK.

Canada's Men's Open team plays a double-header on Sunday at Ma'or vs. Israel (2-0) at 12 p.m. and France (1-2) at 6 p.m.

Opening Ceremonies

After the game, the team boarded a bus for Jerusalem for the Maccabi opening ceremonies.

While the wait to march with your delegation into the stadium is lengthy - and that may be understatement of the century - it's certainly worth it. Walking arm-in-arm with your Jewish brothers in Israel representing your country is a special moment and one not soon forgotten. Prime Minister Trudeau even recorded a message wishing all the Canadian athletes a successful games. Jewish athletes from all over the world were represented Thursday night, including such places as Jamaica, Ireland and India.

It's customary after the ceremonies end to exchange clothes with athletes from other countries. Once again, Jacob Osterer stood out above the rest in this department. Little Jake took home the hardware for his self-described "trade of the century," when he flipped his Canada shirt for a Mexico warm up, and then turned that around for a Team India suit jacket. All it cost him was the Mexican jumper ... and his shorts! Left only in boxers and his new prized possession, Jake was feeling pretty, pretty good afterward, albeit a tad chilly on the bus ride home.