Canada has bowed out of the WBSC Jr. Men's World Softball Championships in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, finishing 4th.
Canada beat Argentina 6-4 in an initial playoff, but then fell to tournament favourites New Zealand last night 5-2. Canada pitcher Owen Torrie of Williamsford says it was an honour representing his country.
"It was just cool being part of the Worlds, first time here, and I'm going to learn and I know what I need to improve on now, and hopefully I get a chance to represent Canada again."
Fellow pitcher Mac Fisher of Teeswater says the loss is tough but it was a fun tournament.
"We knew it was going to be tough, we just tried to replicate our success in round robin play and it just didn't work out. It was a good experience overall, good to see all the international competition, and I had a lot of fun."
South Bruce native Logan Toltan, who didn't play because of a shoulder injury just before the tournament, says the experience was still great being part of the team.
"It means the world to me honestly, just getting the chance to represent my country. Obviously it didn't work out the way I wanted it, but it was everything I could have asked for and more."
Canada Coach Jeff Ellsworth says they knew the top teams were going to be tough, and they just fell short against a great opponent.
"We sort of thought that there was 4 or 5 teams here that could play deep into the weekend, and we had a good battle and win against New Zealand earlier in the week, and on any given night whether it be Australia, or us, Japan, or the Kiwis, I think anybody could win on any given night and tonight just wasn't our night."
New Zealand takes on Japan in the semi-final this afternoon at 12 p.m. local (2 EST), and the winner plays Australia at 3 p.m. local (5 EST).
