Canada Falls to Venezuela, 2-0

It was a tough day for the Canadian National softball team on Saturday in Beijing, as the Canadians were upset by Venezuela, 2-0. With the loss, Team Canada fell to 3-2 in Olympic play, but the Canadians are still in excellent position to qualify for the medal round as they sit in third place while the top four teams advance.

The Canadians entered the contest having scored 17 runs through their first four games before being shut out for the first time in Beijing. Mariangee Bogado earned the victory, tossing a five-hitter.

Venezuela jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first and led 2-0 after a fourth-inning solo home run. Canada hit several balls hard in the final innings, but could not manage a run while dropping a second straight game.

In the bottom of the seventh, Canada got a leadoff single to bring former Husker Sheena Lawrick to the plate. Lawrick ripped a single to center and the center fielder misplayed the ball to put the tying runners in scoring position with no outs. Back-to-back infield pop outs put Team Canada down to its final out and Bogado recorded her lone strikeout to seal the victory.

Lawrick finished 1-for-3 in the loss, while junior pitcher Robin Mackin did not play.

Team Canada has two tough games remaining in round-robin play. The Canadians face Australia at 4 a.m. (Central) on Sunday before wrapping up preliminary competition on Monday against Japan.