Canada began its WBSC Softball Men's World Cup campaign with a decisive victory over Hong Kong, China on Wednesday.
Canada took a 7-1 win, with starting pitcher Justin Schofield striking out 13 of 16 batters while allowing just one hit over five innings.
Canada extended its lead in the fourth inning on the strength of a groundout by Mitchell's Tyler Pauli that bumped Jeff Lyons to third, who would eventually score on a play in which Kitchener's Dallas Kipfer reached third on an error.
Pauli did not record a hit in the game, but the strategic groundout in the fourth inning helped set up a key scoring opportunity for Canada.
Canada is set for a doubleheader Thursday, July 11 as it faces Singapore at 6pm, followed by a game against Argenina at 9pm.