Lucie Anctil's grand slam storms Canada into bronze medal game

World No. 7 Canada secured their place in the bronze medal game on Saturday with a commanding 10-0 victory over Venezuela in the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Finals 2024, presented by CARNEXT at Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Canada.

Wednesday's game initially unfolded as a pitching duel between Jaida Lee and Mariana Natera through four innings, before Canada broke it open with a seven-run rally in the fifth inning, capped by Lucie Anctil's grand slam.

Canada scored the go-ahead run against Venezuela's starter Mariana Natera in the bottom of the first inning. Sena Catterall reached on a one-out double. Madison Willan had an eight-pitch duel with Natera and drove the ninth pitch to left field for an RBI double.

Natera hit Cassie Matlock with one out in the bottom of the second inning. Canada's right fielder stole second, then became the third out trying to score from second on an infield single by Tess Sawkins.

Mia Valcke led off the bottom of the third with an infield hit. Catterall brought her to third with a single to the right. Catterall then stole second, prompting a coach visit to the mound.

Venezuela got the first out at home when Valcke tried to score on Willan's grounder to shortstop. Andreanne Leblanc took two balls, then slapped the third pitch to left field for an RBI stand-up double. Willan reached third on the play and scored on a sacrifice fly by Alizée Gélinas.

Catterall reached on a one-out drag bunt in the bottom of the fifth. Natera walked Willan. With runners on second and first, Andréanne Leblanc drove a deep single off the wall in right field, scoring Catterall and bringing Willan to third. Gélinas also singled off the wall in right field, extending Canada’s lead to 5-0 and bringing Leblanc to third.

Venezuela replaced Natera with Ruclaireth Tovar, who walked the bases loaded and allowed the sixth run on an error.

Lucie Anctil took two balls, then drove the third offering deep beyond the right field wall for a game-ending grand slam.

Canada will close the Opening Round against No. 2 Chinese Taipei but has already qualified for the bronze medal game. Venezuela will face No. 5 Mexico in an elimination game. The winner will play for third place against Canada on Saturday.