Pregame Lineups

Canadian Olympic Baseball Team warms up for Olympics with Win over the U.S.

Sean Mitton, Canadian Expat Network

"It was hot out there." That comment from John Lockwood Toronto native who was the starting pitcher for Team Canada. Canada came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Team USA 4-3 in 10 innings. The game took place at the USA Baseball National Training Center in Cary, NC. This was the first of a 4 game exhibition series.

Starting Pitcher John Lockwood

The U.S. held a 2-0 lead until the 8th inning when Canada erupted for 3 runs. The U.S. got a home run in the bottom of the inning to tie the game and Canada took the lead again in the 10th. Scott Thorman of Cambridge, Ont. had the decisive two-out double in the 10th inning to drive in Stubby Clap from second base. Right-hander David Davidson of St. Catharine's, Ont. retired the side in the bottom half of the inning for the win.

There were plenty of Team Canada supporters in attendance including CanSouth, the Raleigh-Durham Canadian Expat organization, as well as family and friends of Team Canada. With a game time temperature in the 90s, there were long concession lines for Italian ice and bottles of water. Lockwood stated, "it was so hot that I had to catch my breath while pitching".

Team Canada supporters from CanSouth

Team Canada received good news before the games as the Cincinnati Reds gave permission to John Avery, a native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to join the team. That move was made as pitcher Scott Richmond became ineligible as he was recently called up by the Toronto Blue Jays. This move finalizes the roster as they head to Beijing Tuesday.