Team Canada began the 2023 World Baseball Classic on Sunday with an 18-8 romp over Great Britain in Phoenix, Arizona. The 26 total runs were the most runs ever scored by both teams in a single game in the history of the WBC, and passed the old record of 24 runs when Australia beat Mexico 17-7 in Mexico City on March 8, 2009.
Canada initially tied the record for most runs scored by one team in a single game at the World Baseball Classic. Japan scored 18 runs in an 18-2 romp over China on March 3, 2006 from the Tokyo Dome. However on Monday, South Korea broke the record previously set by Canada and Japan, as they clobbered China 22-2. One must realize, South Korea was already eliminated from reaching the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic but needed a win to avoid relegation in 2026.
In Canada’s win over Great Britain, they scored 18 runs on 17 hits and 16 walks. St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Tyler O’Neill of Burnaby, British Columbia and Kansas City Monarchs outfielder Jacob Robson of London, Ontario each had four hits. Robson had four singles, while O’Neil had three singles and one double. Canada also got home runs from Owen Caissie of Burlington, Ontario, and Edouard Julien of Quebec City, Quebec.
With the win, Canada is in a first place tie in Group C with Colombia at one win and zero losses. They play the United States on Monday.
It was Canada’s fourth win in the history of the WBC. They previously beat South Africa 11-8 on March 7, 2006 in Scottsdale, Arizona, the United States 8-6 on March 8, 2006 in Phoenix, and Mexico 10-3 on March 9, 2013 in Phoenix.
