Rackel, Anderson pitching performance lifts Canada over Mexico

Morgan Rackel and Ruby Anderson pitched three innings each and combined for 1 run, 3 hits and 2 strikeouts to lead Canada to an 8-1, six-innings win over Mexico, in the first of two placement games at Hoover Met Stadium.

Mexico’s only run was a long home run off the bat of first baseman Kiana Estrada in the top of the first inning.

However, Canada exploded with five runs in the bottom half of the first, including an RBI single by Larissa Franklin and a two-run double by Erika Polidori, who went 1-for-2 with 2 RBI and a run scored.

Canada added two runs on an RBI single by Victoria Hayward, who went 3-for-4 for the game, and a defensive error. Larissa Franklin ended the game with a walkoff RBI single to left field in the sicth inning.

Canada will play tomorrow for the fifth place against the winner between Puerto Rico and Italy. Mexico will play for the seventh place against the loser of the latter game.