Canada upsets Cuba in opening game of Premier 12
Starting pitcher Phillippe Aumont pitched an eight-inning shutout to lead No. 10 Canada to a 3-0 win over No. 5 Cuba on Tuesday in Seoul, South Korea.
Former Toronto Blue Jay Michael Saunders singled in the fourth inning, bringing Eric Wood home to open the scoring for Canada.
Tristan Pompey and Rene Tosoni added insurance runs in the top of the eighth after a couple of bases-loaded walks.
The Canadian batters managed six hits but were helped by a lack of control from Cuba’s pitching staff, who gave up nine walks on the night.
Aumont was the star of the show, limiting a strong Cuba squad to just two hits and one walk over eight innings. The Gatineau, Que., native was economical, throwing 95 pitches and striking out nine in the process.
Scott Mathieson relieved Aumont in the ninth inning to complete the game and collect the save.
If Canada can continue their strong play and finish as the tournament’s top team from the Americas, they will earn a berth at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
READ: What you need to know about Olympic baseball’s comeback
Canada continues play against host South Korea on Thursday and will face Australia on Friday in round-robin action.
