Team Canada improved its record to 2-0 at the Canadian Open Fastpitch International Championship after a 3-0 win over Australia Wednesday night.
Victoria Hayward had three hits and and run-batted-in, and Saskatoon native Jenny Gilbert blasted a solo home run to centrefield in the sixth inning to lead the way offensively. Leadoff hitter Joey Lye also had two hits, an RBI and a stolen base.
Veteran pitcher Jenna Caira picked up the win for Canada, allowing four hits while striking out two in five innings of work, and reliever Sara Plourde picked up the save, striking out four Aussie batters over the final two innings.
In other action on Wednesday, the California A’s (1-2) doubled Venezuela (1-2) by a score of 4-2, and the United States (2-0) defeated Japan (0-2) 10-3 in six innings in the final game of the day.
Tonight, Canada will face what should be their toughest opponents yet – the two-time defending Canadian Open champions from Japan. Game time is 6:30 p.m. at Softball City’s Diamond 1.
