Canada vs USA
February 15th, 2006
The very first annual Canada vs USA softball game challenge was held on Field C at the DiamondPlex in Winter Haven. The managers for the event were Elmer Black for the Canadian team & Fred Dampier for the United States team. Team USA took an early lead as they scored 2 runs in the first inning on a single by leadoff hitter Jose Agosto, followed by a two out double by cleanup batter Don Erb & a single by Denny Shaffer. Two more runs crossed the plate in the 3rd inning on singles by Jack Valliere, Fred Dampier, & Jose Agosto. In the bottom of the 3rd inning, Ron Carrothers scored on singles by John Ormbsy & Elmer Black for Team Canada's first run. Team USA held the lead until the bottom of the 5th inning when Team Canada scored 3 runs on four hits & one error to take a 6-5 lead. Team USA was not to be denied as they managed 2 runs in the 6th frame on one hit & two errors, but Team Canada rallied in the bottom of the frame for 2 more runs to hold a 1 run lead. The key hit in the inning was a two out triple by Team Canada pitcher Dick Wilhelm. When Team USA was shut down in the 7th & 8th innings, Team Canada took advantage to score 3 more runs. Going into the top of the 9th inning, Team Canada held a 4 run lead as the score was 11-7. Team USA scored the necessary runs to tie the game before the rally was halted with an inning ending double play. Team Canada sent 5 batters to the plate in the bottom of the 9th inning but failed to score. After 9 innings, the score was deadlocked 11-11. Team USA had a huge 10th inning as they scored 6 runs. Jack Valliere, Fred Dampier, & Jose Agosto each hit singles to lead off the inning & all scored before an out was made. Jim Laffoon drove in two of the three runs on a single after Pete Mizicko walked. With two runners on base, Don Erb came through in the clutch & blasted a homer. In the bottom of the 10th inning, Team Canada fought back with hits by John Ormbsy, Hugh Lessard , Jerry Remington, & Doug McLellan but fell short by two runs. The final score was Team USA 17 & Team Canada 15. After the game, hot dogs, baked chicken, chips, & drinks were served to the ballplayers & spectators. A good time was had by all & the event proved widely successful. A special thank you goes out to the volunteeer umpires. Jim Margolin umpired behind the plate the entire game & Rusty Landahl , who came to watch the game, graciously volunteered to umpire the bases after the 3rd inning. It is also appropriate to thank the wives who prepared & served the food to everyone in attendance. |
