Beaver Staff
Napanee’s dynamic battery tandem of pitcher Riley Manion and catcher Brandan Hagerman has helped power Team Canada to a 4-0 start through Tuesday’s action at the Junior Men’s Softball World Championship in Prince Albert, SK.
Hagerman was batting .357 through the first four games with a double, a triple, two RBI and four runs scored.
Manion meanwhile has also been a key part of every Canadian win from the pitcher’s circle, picking up a win and three saves. That includes tossing a no-hitter against the Czech Republic on Sunday night. Through Tuesday’s action he had thrown 10.1 innings while striking out 24, allowing just four hits. He was called upon to close out the game Tuesday night as the Canadians held on for an 8-5 victory over New Zealand in a battle of two undefeated teams. Manion struck out three to preserve the win.
After an offday Wednesday the Canadians are scheduled to take on Hong Kong tomorrow night to close out the preliminary round. The playoffs begin Friday and run through Sunday.
Both Manion and Hagerman are members of the Napanee AFW U19 Express team that will host the Canadians Aug. 14-19 at the Napanee Fairgrounds.