Error costs Canada against U.S.
Canada's Victoria Hayward beats the throw to second base during a Canada Cup round robin game earlier this week.
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Updated: July 10, 2009 9:49 AM
Canada nearly pulled of the upset of the tournament Thursday at the Canada Cup, coming one mistake away from defeating the powerful Americans, before losing 3-2.
With the loss, Canada finished the round robin portion of the tournament at 4-4, while the U.S. placed first in the International Division at a perfect 8-0.
Canada took an early 2-0 lead on the U.S – Melanie Matthews scored in the first inning on a Kaleigh Rafter single, and Kelsey Haberl crossed the plate in the fourth inning when American shortstop Natasha Watley made a throwing error.
The U.S. returned fire in the bottom of the fourth, however, scoring all three of its runs in the inning. With two runners on base, third baseman Rafter made a fielding error on a Jennie Finch hit, which allowed Caitlin Lowe and Watley each to score, tying the game.
Two batters later, American Lauren Lappin tripled, scoring Finch from second base.
U.S. relief pitcher Stacey Nelson, who pitched the final four innings, shut down the Canadians the rest of the game, scattering five hits.
Katie Burkhart started the game for the U.S., striking out three in three innings of work.
For Canada, Kylie Hovinga, Leah MacIntosh and Jenna Caira pitched two innings each.
With the round robin schedule now complete, teams will begin playoff rounds today. The tournament wraps up Sunday, with the women's division final at 6:30 p.m. at Softball City.
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