World Cup: Canadian women pound Dominicans

Kelsey Lalor belted a two-run homer in the first inning to lead Canada to an 18-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in a five-inning game Sunday at the women’s baseball World Cup.

Lalor’s homer was one of 17 hits by the Canadians, who advanced to the event’s super round. Canada (4-1) outscored opponents 4216 in the opening round, collecting 62 hits in the process for an average of more than 12 per game.

“Obviously we’re very happy with the way we’re swinging the bats right now,” manager Andre Lachance said. “We also know that, once the super round starts that the games get tighter, but (the offence) is a positive.”

Canada, which finished second its group, will open the next round Tuesday against a yet-to-be-de- termined opponent. The super round features the top three seeds in each group playing crossover games before the bronze- and gold-medal games Friday.

After adding two more runs in the second, Canada sent 16 batters to the plate in the third, scoring 12 runs. Ashley Stephenson had four RBIs in the inning, with a double and triple, while Nicole Luchanski and Mia Valcke each drove in two runs.

Seven different players in the Ca- nadian lineup recorded multi-hit games including Stephenson and Niki Boyd, who had three apiece.

The Dominican Republic led 1-0 after a half-inning but Canada’s Emma Carr shut them down the rest of the way and had five strikeouts while earning the win.

“Emma was great for us today,” Lachance said. “Her effort allowed us to rest our bullpen and, with tomorrow’s off-day, that will benefit us with the potential of four games in four days.”