Canada dropped their opening contest of the 18th WBSC Men's Softball World Cup in Prince Albert on Tuesday night, falling 8-3 to New Zealand. Canada now looks to redeem themselves on day two Wednesday when they take on Venezuela at 5:30 p.m. (WBSC/supplied)

By Logan Lehmann

Day one recap

Canada drops World Cup opener to New Zealand

Jul 9, 2025 | 1:31 AM

Canada got off to a rough start at the 18th WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup in Prince Albert, falling 8-3 to New Zealand on day one of the tournament.

New Zealand figured out Canadian starter Sean Cleary right out of the gate, scoring two runs in their first at bat while adding another in the second to go up 3-0.

Canada managed to get on the board in the bottom half of the second though, thanks to a solo home run from Quinten Bruce. But New Zealand stayed hot and scored another run off of Cleary in the top of the third, making it 4-1.

That run ended Cleary’s night after giving up four runs on five hits with a walk while striking out three. Devon McCullough came in for relief and managed to get out of the inning unscathed, however he did surrender a run in the fourth as the Black Sox extended their lead.

Canada’s bats finally came to life in the fifth when Bradley Ezekiel lined a two-run double to left to cut into the lead, and make it a 5-3 ballgame.

Riderville

They don't hand out the Grey Cup in August

12h ago

Amazing ending

Two Rebeccas tapped out of the Amazing Race

12h ago

HEALTHCARE

'We will not be ignored': CUPE workers rally outside Cockrill's office amid health care strain

14h ago

However, the hopes of a comeback were quickly axed an inning later as in the sixth, Reilly Makea clobbered a three-run home run over the scoreboard in center to make it 8-3. New Zealand’s defence remained strong for the rest of the contest while Canada couldn’t find their offence, as the Black Sox are off and running at the World Cup with a day one win.

Pita Rona collected the win for New Zealand, throwing four complete innings while allowing three runs on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Canada continues their run on Wednesday when they face off with Venezuela on day two. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. at Rotary Field in Prime Ministers Park.

COMPLETE BOX SCORE

Dominican Republic, Venezuela, U.S. winners on day one

The Dominican Republic got the tournament off to a thrilling start on Tuesday by walking off Japan in the World Cup’s opening game.

Japan managed to get a run across in the top of the seventh to tie the game at two, but the Dominicans rallied in the bottom half of the inning and managed to load the bases with one out, setting up Nestor Francisco Nova to hit an infield single to score the runner from third and win the game 3-2.

Venezuela also won in exciting fashion by knocking off the World #1 Argentina.

It was a pitcher’s duel in game two of day one, as both sides could only muster a few hits throughout the game. That all changed in the top of the sixth when Erwin Diaz lined a single to right and bring across the first run of the game.

That run would end up being the only run as Argentina failed to score the runner from third in the bottom of the seventh and ended up being shut out in their tournament opener, 1-0.

And the U.S. were strong on both sides of the ball as they dominated their way to a day one win over the defending world champion Australia.

The Americans hung 10 runs on the Australians, highlighted by a strong six-run seventh inning and a complete game shutout from their starter Marco Diaz, who allowed just one hit while striking out 10.

Day two of the 18th WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup starts at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday between the Dominican Republic and Australia. That’s followed by the U.S. and Japan at 2:30 p.m., aforementioned Canada and Venezuela at 5:30 p.m., and New Zealand and Argentina at 8:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule with results, click here.

—

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com