Power hitters Terry Tiffee and Brian Barden led their team to victory in a tight battle against Canada as the United States defeated the Canadians 5-4 at Wukesong Baseball Field on Saturday, August 16.

Although Canada took a 4-0 lead after four innings, the US team rallied with a solo Barden homerun to get back in the game before a series of solid hits including two RBI doubles by Terry Tifee helped the States club to a 5-4 victory.

Canadian designated hitter Emerson Frostad opened the scoring at the top of the second as he doubled to left field scoring Nick Weglarz who was on base with a single. Canada increased their lead to 2-0 in the third inning as Stubby Clapp singled and scored on a triple to center field by Emmanuel Garcia. Canada then went up 3-0 as Garcia scored on a fielder's choice.

In the fourth inning, third baseman Matt Rogelstad took first base on an error by American shortstop Jason Donald, then advanced to third on a Chris Robinson single into right field. Adam Stern singled to for Canada's fourth RBI before a double play ended the inning leaving Canada with a 4-0 lead.

The United States lit up the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth as Brian Barden thumped a solo homer over the right field fence, reducing Canada's lead to 4-1 and opening the floodgates for Team USA. Right fielder Nate Schierholtz hit a double down the first base line before John Gall hit his second single of the game scoring Schierholtz to close the gap 4-2 and send Canada's pitcher James Avery and his 90 mph fastball to the showers.

With two outs and a runner on first at the top of the ninth Canada held their breath as Clapp sent a line drive along the first base line that strayed into foul territory. He eventually ended the game with a fly-out to left field.

Late outburst powers US baseball

(BOCOG August 16, 2008)