Oct. 26, 2011

Canada edges United States for Pan Am Gold

Former Cal Poly Mustang Jimmy Van Ostrand drove in both runs as Canada nipped the United States 2-1 Tuesday for the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Lagos de Moreno, Mexico.

Canada captured its first Pan American title, while the United States claimed its fourth straight Pan Am silver medal and 10th overall. Team USA has not won a gold medal at the Pan American Games since 1967. Cuba had won the past 10 Pan Am championships and was eliminated 12-10 by Team USA Monday in the semifinals.

The United States took a 1-0 advantage in the bottom of the first as former Notre Dame standout A.J. Pollock singled and scored on a two-out double by Brett Carroll, who played at Middle Tennessee.

Canada used a two-out rally in the sixth to take the lead. Chris Robinson (Illinois) and Tim Smith (Arizona State) both singled before Van Ostrand’s double gave the Canadians a 2-1 advantage.

Former Kentucky pitcher Andrew Albers was the starter and winner for Canada, scattering six hits over 6.2 innings with eight strikeouts. Scott Richmond (Oklahoma State) came on in relief and retired the seven batters he faced with three strikeouts to earn the save.

Pollock went 2 for 4, the only member of Team USA with multiple hits.

Team USA finished the fall with a 10-6 mark, finishing tied for third at the IBAF World Cup and earning a silver medal at the Pan Am Games.