Josh Naylor Anchors Relay as Canada Beats Colombia 8–2 in WBC
Canada beat Colombia 8-2 in their World Baseball Classic opener, with the Naylor brothers’ defence and Owen Caissie’s two-run homer setting the tone. Saturday at 2: 30 p. m. ET, josh naylor was part of the defensive surge that helped seal the victory and keep Canada in early control.
Josh Naylor’s Relay Ends Colombia Threat in First Inning
The Colombians squandered a promising first inning when Michael Arroyo, at third with one out, charged home on Reynaldo Rodriguez’s grounder to first. josh naylor fielded it clean and relayed to his brother at home for an easy second out, and Bo Naylor then threw out Rodriguez trying to steal second to end the frame. Those three defensive plays erased Colombia’s early scoring opportunity and set the defensive tone for Canada.
Owen Caissie’s 403-Foot Homer Lands in Canadian Flag
Canada got on the board in the second when Abraham Toro hit a hustle double into left field and, an out later, Owen Caissie launched a hanging curveball from Austin Bergner an estimated 403 feet to right field for a two-run homer. The ball carried directly to a pair of fans holding a Canadian flag. Caissie said the early run was useful: “Getting on the board first in these tournaments really matters. Our gameplan was short, but it worked, I guess. “
Michael Soroka Settles In as Canada Pulls Away Late
Michael Soroka settled into his start after the early action and Canada added late offence to finish the game 8-2. Soroka, making his return to the senior national team, said: “I felt like we let it rip early and often. ” Bo Naylor, who played a key role both behind the plate and on the throw to second, emphasized fundamentals: “It’s just a matter of playing the game the right way and continuing to play the game that we know how to play. ” Colombia dropped to 0-2 after the loss.
Canada’s combination of crisp fielding from the Naylor brothers and timely power from Caissie produced a decisive opening win in the pool and gave the roster momentum heading into the next matchup.
Canada faces Panama on Sunday at 8: 05 p. m. ET, with Jameson Taillon scheduled to get the ball for that game.
