Canfield blanks Canada in WS opener

Staff report

KIRKLAND, WASH.

Maura Kennedy hit two doubles and drove in two runs Sunday as Canfield won its Junior World Series Opener, 14-0, over Canada’s representative from Windsor, Ont.

“It was really exciting,” said Kennedy of taking the field for an international game. “I’ve never been before so we didn’t know what it would be like.”

The game turned out to be like most of Canfield’s games in the state and Central Region tournaments. Bridget Durkin pitched for four innings and Maddy Johns one as they combined for a two-hit shutout.

“I wasn’t really nervous,” Durkin said of the start of the game. “Dad said, ‘have a good time; we’re really here.’ ”

Durkin’s dad, Kerry, is Canfield’s manager.

“We felt pretty good about our chances after watching them warm up,” Kerry Durkin said. “A quick start helped.”

Ahead 2-0, Canfield scored 11 times in the third inning to seize control.

Amelia Manenti also doubled and drove in two runs for Canfield and Ally Lambert drove in two runs.

Also with RBIs were Ally Sammarco, Mia Kindinis, Kayla Troxil, Sidney Lambert, Savannah Maass, Bridget Sweeney and Ellie Dundics.

Kennedy said Canfield fans outnumbered the Canadians.

“It was a good feeling, to come this far and still have support,” the center fielder said.

Today at 4:45 p.m., Canfield will face the Southeast Region champion from Tampa. Durkin said it will be one of his team’s biggest challenges.

“The Southeast team looks extremely tall and very athletic,” said Durkin while watching Tampa defeat the team from the Philippines, 16-5.

“They hit everything very hard, they do just about everything very well,” Durkin said. “They have solid pitching, play good defense, they even bunt well.

“We’re gonna have our hands full against them.”

The top two teams in each five-team bracket will advance to Friday’s single-elimination semifinal round.