Can-Am Ottawa Champions

Richmond Sinks Champions with Seven-Inning Outing

Published on August 2, 2015 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Ottawa Champions News Release


Ottawa, ON - The Ottawa Champions ran into some major league problems on Sunday afternoon, in the form of costly errors, and Wichita Wingnuts starting pitcher Scott Richmond.

The former Toronto Blue Jay tossed seven complete innings, limiting the Champions to just one run in a 5-3 win for the Wingnuts.

As a result, the Champions lose their third straight game, as Wichita closes in on a series sweep in Ottawa.

Dan Meyer took the loss in his first start as a Champions pitcher. He gave up four runs in the fourth inning, but got out of the jam to end the inning. Afterwards, Drew Cisco replaced him out of the bullpen.

Champions manager Hal Lanier expressed his displeasure with the Champions' defense, rather than the pitching.

"The pitchers did their job really," he said. "Meyer should have only allowed two runs, because we didn't catch a routine groundball. We didn't get in front of it, and you have to catch that ball."

The fourth inning had a chance to end on a Leo Vargas at-bat. With the score 1-1, a ground ball was hit to Jon Talley, but the first baseman bobbled it. That allowed two runs to come in for the Wingnuts.

"As it turned out, had we caught that groundball we might still be playing right now. It would be 3-3," Lanier said while addressing the misplay.

While Lanier was not pleased with his team's effort, he did have good things to say about the defensive game of Daniel Bick. The Ottawa shortstop made a diving stop in the fourth inning to record an out at first base.

"He's been playing really good defense ever since he got here. With him at shortstop--he has really turned the infield around."

"He's a really good defensive shortstop with good range and a strong arm."

While the Champions dealt with problems defensively, the team had a tall task ahead, with Scott Richmond on the Wichita mound.

The 35-year-old played four seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2009 to 2012, and was part of the gold medal-winning Canadian Pan Am baseball team.

It was Richmond's first time pitching in Ottawa, and he enjoyed the experience.

"It's a beautiful park and the stadium is great," Richmond said. "It's always nice to be back in the capital of Canada. I'm from Vancouver and live in Arizona, so I don't get out here very often."

"It's really nice. I'm trying to teach some of these young guys over here what it's about, you know, take them over to the parliament buildings and show them downtown."

Richmond will throw out the ceremonial first pitch tomorrow night, as the Champions honour Canada's gold medal in Pan Am baseball.

The first pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Ottawa Champions Statistics

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Canadian American League Stories from August 2, 2015


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