Canada opens World Cup vs. Chinese Taipei
By Adam Morissette
Baseball Canada
The World Baseball Softball Confederation announced the schedule for the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup that will take place in Osaka, Japan from Aug. 28-Sept. 6.
Canada will open the 12-team tournament against Chinese Taipei on Aug. 28 before facing Korea, Italy, Cuba and South Africa in Group B round-robin action that concludes on September 1.
Group A consists of host Japan, defending champion USA along with Mexico, Australia, Brazil and Czech Republic.
Following the round-robin, the top three seeds in each group will play three cross-over games with the top two records advancing to the gold medal game, while the third and fourth best records will play for bronze. The medal games are scheduled for Sept. 6 at historic Koshien Stadium, home of the Hanshin Tigers and the prestigious Japanese High School championship.
Canada earned a spot in the 2015 WBSC U-18 World Cup after winning a bronze medal at the 2014 COPABE 18U Pan American Championship in La Paz, Mex. last September. The United States and Cuba won gold and bronze, respectively to qualify, while Brazil finished fourth to earn the final spot reserved for the Americas.
Canada is coming off seventh place finish in 2013 when the event was known as the IBAF 18U World Cup. In 2012, Canada won silver at the event achieving its best result since winning the event in 1991 when it was played in Brandon, Manitoba.
Prior to the World Cup, Team Canada will hold a selection camp on Australia’s Gold Coast from August 15–27 where 20 players will be chosen to represent their country in Japan.
This month 10 Canucks were drafted. Now whether they sign, or have signed or go to school permission will be needed to make sure its all-hands are on deck, like
1B Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) selected by the Marlins in the first round.
RHP Mike Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) 1st, Braves
CF Miles Gordon (Oakville, Ont.) 4th Reds.
OF Demi Orimoloye (Orleans, Ont.) 4th Brewers.
2B J.D. Williams (Brampton, Ont.) 17th Reds.
LHP Isaac Anesty (Guelph, Ont.) 18th, Reds.
RHP-C Darren Shred (Brampton, Ont.) 22nd, Reds.
RHP Jackson Wark (St. Albert, Alta.) 30th, Mets.
OF Tristan Pompey (Milton, Ont,) 31st, Twins.
RHP Will McAffer (North Vancouver, BC) 32nd, Reds.