Whiteford collects three hits in JNT's MLB Draft League International Series finale

Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, B.C.) had three hits for the Junior National Team in their final 2026 MLB Draft League International Series game on Sunday. Photo: Baseball Canada

June 21, 2026

Baseball Canada

The Junior National Team fell 10–3 to the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in the finale of the 2026 MLB Draft League International Series at Credit Union Field at Eastwood on Sunday.

Canada’s offence broke through in the seventh inning after trailing 2–0. Cohen Miller (Calgary, Alta.) opened the frame with a single before Rogan Rivard (Bonnyville, Alta.) worked a walk. Sam Ellis (La Pêche, Que.) moved both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt before Elliot Lascelles (Toronto, Ont.) lifted a sacrifice fly to score Miller. Kadyn Armitage (Surrey, B.C.), Jalen Jacob (Maple, Ont.) and Zach MacDonald (Lacombe, Alta.) then worked consecutive walks, with MacDonald’s bringing Rivard home to tie the game at 2–2.

Rhys Whiteford (Duncan, B.C.) led the Canadian offence with three hits, including a fourth-inning double, while Miller added a pair of singles. Ellis also collected two hits, stole a base and executed a key sacrifice bunt during Canada’s seventh-inning rally.

On the mound, Joseph Pereira (Etobicoke, Ont.) delivered a strong start for the Juniors, allowing two runs over six innings while striking out five. The Canadian defence also turned a double play in the second inning, while Pereira combined with Miller and Armitage to pick off a runner at third in the opening frame.

Mahoning Valley broke the tie with seven runs in the bottom of the seventh before adding another in the eighth. Canada continued to compete until the final out, loading the bases in the ninth as Jacob scored on a fielder’s choice from Miller to reach our final score.

The result brings the Junior National Team’s 2026 MLB Draft League International Series to a close. The Juniors will now return home before beginning preparations for the WBSC Americas Qualifier, set for October 22 to October 29 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.