Aguadulce, Panama-Canada exploded for five runs in the top of the first inning and never looked back as they blanked Venezuela 7-0 on Thursday at the 39th IBAF World Cup.
Canada’s game with South Korea was postponed due to rain on Wednesday, and they will make it up in an evening game Thursday.
Jimmy Van Ostrand got things rolling in the first when he hit an RBI single to score Chris Bisson.
Van Ostrand came around to score along with Tim Smith when Emerson Frostad hit a double to right field that rolled to the wall. Brock Kjeldgaard put an exclamation point on the inning when he drilled a two-run homer to left field that easily travelled over 400 feet.
“It was huge for us,” said Canadian Manger Ernie Whitt of the five-run outburst in the first.
“We had a little talk before the game and the guys know what’s at stake. We came out aggressive today and that is what we wanted to do.”
Canadian starter Kyle Lotzkar looked as though he enjoyed pitching with a big lead as he threw five innings of shutout ball. Mike Johnson came out of the Canadian bullpen to start the sixth and worked two perfect innings to seal the victory.
Canada must win if they hope to reach the gold medal game.
Their record in round two now sits at three wins and two losses.