Little League World Series 2018: Canada survives late scare from Mexico to advance in International Bracket

Alec Gearty

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Little League World Series 2018: Canada survives late scare from Mexico to advance in International Bracket image

Canada is still fighting at the Little League World Series. 

In its second elimination game in a span of three days, Canada maintained its poise and composure to advance in the International Bracket. Kai Sheck recorded a base-clearing triple to pave the way for Canada's 6-4 win over Mexico on Monday. Sheck's triple highlighted a night where Canada desperately sought for production at the plate. 

The Canadians tallied 14 hits and five runs entering their matchup with Mexico, who entered with fewer runs scored (4). Canada, however, needed to take advantage of Mexico's pitching shortage. Three of Mexico's pitchers were ruled out due to the implemented rest rule required by the league. 

Angel Martinez received the starting nod for Mexico, but didn't provide much working room for his relievers. Martinez allowed three runs in 1.1 innings, as Canada quickly gained the comfortable lead. Fernando Lopez came on in relief for Martinez. While Lopez struck out seven batters, Scheck's triple left a looming impact on the scoreboard throughout the night.

Jordan Jaramillo extended Canada's lead to as much as five runs, but the Mexican offense started to rally back in a significant way against starter Ian Huang. 

Huang, who started in his second game of the tournament, surrendered a three-run home run to Lopez in the bottom of the third inning. Mexico's deficit was cut to 6-4 and Huang's night was finished in the ensuing inning, finishing with five strikeouts in 4.1 innings. 

Canada maintained the two-run margin throughout the duration of the game, despite Mexico's late charge. 

Cole Balkovech, who relieved Huang, allowed two of the first three batters to reach base in sixth inning. Canada decided to bring its closer in to seal the deal in order to face Puerto Rico in the next round. 

Colina immediately recorded the second out of the inning before walking the bases loaded. As Canada coaches opted for the mound visit, the consensus among the players was clear: "Just have a catch." Colina worked a full-count against Mexico's Gael Ponce and snagged the incoming line drive to finish the deed. 

Canada outlasted its opponent and is closer to a spot in the International Championship.

Sporting News provided updates throughout the game 

Bottom of the Sixth Inning

Balkovech strikes out Serrano after a lengthy at-bat. That's one for Canada. Mexico starts to build up momentum behind back-to-back walks. Canada pulls Balkovech in favor of Colina. Gomez lines out to left field and Carlos Garza is Mexico's last hope. Gael Ponce steps up to the plate with the bases loaded. With a 3-2 count, Colina snags the line-drive to secure Canada's victory.  Canada wins 6-4. 

Top of the Sixth Inning

Despite the initial call of a foul ball, Kai Sheck, Canada's first batter strikes out. Joey Marino is set-aside on three straight pitches. Dio Gama wasn't going away quietly as he records his second hit on the evening. Balkovech walks on four pitches and Canada has two runners on base. Serrano is able to strike out Pleasants, and to the bottom of the sixth, we go.  Canada leads 6-4.

Bottom of the Fifth Inning

Ian Huang reaches his pitch limit. He finishes with six strikeouts and three walks in 4.1 innings. Canada calls Cole Balkovech to relieve Huang with one out. Balkovech retires his next two batters in order. Team Canada is three outs away from putting this one away.  Canada leads 6-4. 

Top of Fifth Inning

Mattias Brisson singles to right field, but Zaeden Pleasants strikes out as Lopez throws his 80th pitch in relief. Colten Myers draws the walk and Lopez's night is finished. Erick Serrano is Mexico's third pitcher to come into the game. Andre Juco tallies his second hit against to load the bases for Canada's Nate Colina. Serrano fights the 3-2 count to strike out Colina. Canada eventually strands three runners on base.  Canada leads 6-4. 

Bottom of Fourth Inning

Huang drills Paolo Salazar to start the fourth inning. Quintanilla is called upon to pinch run for Salazar. After Axel Morales is called out following a bunt attempt, Alberto Gomez lines a single to the wall. Mexico has runners on first and second with one out. Canada ultimately escapes the inning to preserve the two-run lead.  Canada leads 6-4.

Top of the Fourth Inning

Canada, who scored in each inning thus far, starts the fourth inning with a strikeout. Kai Sheck also strikes out. Jaren Ashbee walks as Canada has its first baserunner of the inning. Dio Gama strikes out looking, but Lopez is creeping up on the pitch limit. Canada leads 6-4.

Bottom of Third Inning

Garza reaches first base after Nate Colina's error. Huang is called for an illegal pitch and Gael Ponce is awarded first base. Mexico has runners on first and second with no outs. Fernando Lopez, on a 3-2 count, launches a three-run homer to center field as Mexico cuts its deficit to two runs. Huang recovers and retires the following three batters.  Canada leads 6-4.

Top of Third Inning

Dio Gama draws a walk to start. Mattias Brisson advances Gama over with a sacrifice bunt and Canada has a runner in scoring position. Lopez strikes out Ty Grewal, but Jordan Jaramillo doubles down the third base line with two outs to bring Gama across home plate. Jaramillo isn't afraid to show off his aggressiveness on the base path as he takes third on a passed ball. Lopez is struggling to record Mexico's final out. He walks Juco on five pitches. Mexico's Carlos Garza completes the backhand play to make the out at first.  Canada leads 6-1  

Bottom of Second Inning

Ian Huang records the first two outs for Canada, but is starting to struggle. After a walk and a passed ball, Mexico takes advantage. Axel Morales singles up the middle to drive in Mexico's first run. Huang escapes the inning while runners were on the corners with his second strikeout of the game.  Canada leads 5-1. 

Top of Second Inning

Zaeden Pleasants strikes out. But after Jaramillo reaches base, Mexico opts for the pitching change. Fernando Lopez is Mexico's newest pitcher. Lopez strikes out Juco for Mexico's second out. Nate Colina, after recording an RBI single, draws a walk. With the bases loaded, Kai Sheck absolutely delivers. He clears the bases and widens Canada's lead over Mexico. Canada leads 5-0. 

Bottom of First Inning

Ian Huang strikes out Alberto Gomez looking to begin the inning. Carlos Garza and Gael Ponce, each, single to put two runners on base for Mexico. But Huang receives a bit of help from his defense. Fernando Lopez grounds into the inning-ending double play.  Canada leads 2-0.   

Top of First Inning

Andre Juco starts the game with a leadoff single after fighting to a full-count. Juco appears to injure himself on his swing, but remains in the game. Juco advanced from first base to third after Nate Colina's bunt attempt drew Angel Martinez to throw a wild pitch. Colina plates Canada's first run on an RBI single to right field. Martinez, however, manages to record Mexico's second out via fielders' choice. Joey Molina singled up the middle. Dio Gama followed suit to extend Canada's lead. Mexico escapes the inning with limited damage.  Canada leads 2-0. 

Pregame

5:50 p.m. —  Tonight's lineups have been released. 

3:30 p.m. —  Puerto Rico is patiently awaiting the winner between Canada and Mexico in the next round after defeating Panama 3-1.

Alec Gearty