The U.S. wanted revenge after losing to Canada in the World Baseball Classic in 2006. In the 2006 contest in Phoenix, Canada jumped out to a 8-0 lead before the U.S. came back to make it close, with a final score of 8-6.
The Americans got the upper hand in that tournament, advancing to the second round. But the U.S. wanted to beat Canada when the two teams played in Toronto.
At Rogers Centre, the U.S. team edged Canada 6-5 before 42,314 in the opener of Pool C in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. The Canadians let chances slip by, including leaving the bases loaded in the first inning. Pete Orr, known for his speed and bunting, missed a golden opportunity to drive in a run from third with two out in the 6th inning.
Box Score from U.S.-Canada in Toronto
While the U.S. also blew chances to score more runs, the pressure was on Canada due to its thin bench and less than stellar pitching.
Many teams were unable to get some of the MLB players to be on their squads, mostly due to injury. Ironically, one of the U.S. players added at the last minute, Adam Dunn, hit the game-winning home run. But no country lost as many quality pitchers as Canada did.
Ryan Dempster (Cubs), Rich Harden (Cubs), Jeff Francis (Colorado), Erik Bedard (Seattle), and Eric Gagne (Brewers) were unable to pich for Canada.
Where Canada lacked in pitching, the team made up with the stick. Prominent Canadians in the Major Leagues include Russell Martin (C-LA Dodgers), Joey Votto (1B/LF-Cincinnati), Justin Morneau (1B-Minnesota), Jason Bay (OF-Boston), and Matt Stairs (1B-OF, Philadelphia).
Votto went 4-5 with a HR and two RBI. Martin added a HR as well.
The crowd was very enthusiastic, and the over 40,000 crowd was one of the largest in the World Baseball Classic.
This year's format is double elimination. Canada plays Italy Monday night once again in Toronto. If Canada survives, it will play the loser of U.S.-Venezuela (from Sunday night) on Tuesday. Lose and they're out, but win and they could advance to the next round in Miami.
Coverage of the tournament airs on the ESPN networks and the MLB Network in the U.S. and Rogers Sportsnet in Canada.