For only the second time in the history of the World Baseball Classic, Team Canada has won two games at a single classic. On Tuesday, Canada defeated Colombia 5-0 in Phoenix, Arizona to improve their record in 2023 to two wins and one loss.
What will most be remembered by the Canadian win was the fact that the Canadian pitching was fantastic. Philadelphia Phillies undrafted prospect Noah Skirrow of Cambridge, Ontario, Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Curtis Taylor of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Trevor Brigden of North York, Ontario, and former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Scott Mathieson of Vancouver, British Columbia combined to throw a five-hit shutout. Canadian pitchers combined for seven strikeouts and one walk.
From an offensive perspective, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Otto Lopez hit a massive three-run home run in the ninth inning to put Canada up 5-0. He also hit a triple earlier in the contest, and led Canada with three runs batted in. Two other Canadians had a multi-hit game. Minnesota Twins second base prospect Edouard Julien of Quebec City, Quebec had three hits (including one double) and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O’Neil of Maple Ridge, British Columbia had two hits.
Tuesday’s win sets up a massive game for Canada on Wednesday. A win against Mexico, and Canada will reach the quarterfinals. Canada previously won two games at the 2006 World Baseball Classic. They defeated South Africa 11-8 and the United States 8-6.
