Can-Am League Alumni Contribute in World Baseball Classic
Published on March 19, 2013 under Canadian American League (Can-Am) News Release
With the World Baseball Classic final taking place this evening between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, independent baseball players have made an impact throughout the tournament. Five Can-Am League alumni appeared in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, on the Canadian and Italian teams.
Italy had an excellent showing in the tournament, defeating Mexico and Canada in Round 1 to advance out of pool play.
- 1B Chris Colabello (Worcester '05-'11, Nashua '07) hit .375 in the tournament with two home runs and 7 RBI. Currently in the Minnesota Twins organization, Colabello blasted a three-run shot off of 2008 MLB All-Star RHP Edinson Volquez in the first inning of Italy's Round 2 game against the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, March 12.
- SS Anthony Granato (Atlantic City '07-'08) started at shortstop in all five games, going 6-for-14 with two runs scored, and rapping an RBI double off of San Francisco Giants RHP Ryan Vogelsong in Italy's 6-2 loss to the United States on Saturday, March 9.
- RHP John Mariotti (Quebec '11-'12) was Italy's starter in its opening game against Mexico, throwing 1.2 innings and giving up three earned runs. He also threw a scoreless inning against the United States, striking out Baltimore Orioles OF and 2012 MLB All-Star Adam Jones.
Canada went 1-2 in Round 1, defeating Mexico, 10-3, and leading the United States in the late innings of their game on Sunday, March 10 before eventually falling, 9-4.
- LHP Andrew Albers (Quebec '10) pitched three innings of relief against Mexico on Saturday, March 9, giving up two runs while fanning three, including a strikeout of Los Angeles Dodgers C Adrian Gonzalez.
- INF Jonathan Malo (Quebec '12) saw action as a pinch-hitter against Mexico, drawing a walk, and appeared as a defensive replacement against the United States.
The Can-Am League begins its 2013 campaign on Thursday, May 16.
Canadian American League Stories from March 19, 2013
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