Canada left no doubt that it belongs in the 2013 World Baseball Classic after crushing host Germany 11-1 on Monday in the qualification pool final.
First baseman Jimmy Van Ostrand led the Canadian attack on a chilly evening at the Armin-Wolf Baseball Arena with a home run and four runs scored. Adam Loewen went 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs and Chris Robinson added a two-run shot for the favoured Canadians. "We accomplished our goal," said manager Ernie Whitt. "We came in knowing we needed to win three games. You can't say enough about this team. They are gamers who played with pride and passion. We are just happy that we are going on."
Andrew Albers went six innings for the victory. He allowed one run on two hits and recorded three strikeouts.
Canada outhit Germany 12-3 and scored 38 runs over three games. The Canadian roster was loaded with minor-leaguers since major-league players are finishing off their regular season.
