In its first game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Canada achieved what it had never achieved before: scoring 18 points!
The Maple Leaf victim was Great Britain, which lost its flag 18-8 in this Group C duel.
It was Canada’s first game of the competition, ensuring they don’t relive the humiliation of 2017 when they had a record three losses in as many tackles.
The Canadians’ 18 points are a new club record. The previous mark was 11 points, achieved against South Africa in 2006.
However, the game against Great Britain did not start positively for Canada. In fact, starter Cal Quantrill allowed three earned runs on two hits and gave up four free passes in just two-thirds of the innings.
The Quebecer Philippe Aumont, who was sent to the hill as a rescuer, was successful in his delicate mission. In the end it was he who took the win. He spent an inning and a third on the mound.
After that disappointing first half, Canada’s attack took matters into their own hands, driving in five runs. Édouard Julien got the ball rolling with a solo performance. He became the 12th player in World Classics history to stretch out his arms in his first appearance on the plate in the competition.
The Minnesota Twins second base prospect ended the game with an RBI, scoring three runs and walking four bases.
His compatriot from Quebec, Abraham Toro, had two hits and produced three runs in Four at Bats.