Kimbrell, Hudek lead U.S. in win over Canada for Pan Am gold in women’s baseball

AJAX, Ont. – Anna Kimbrell hit a bases-clearing double in the fifth inning to open up a close game and lead the United States to an 11-3 victory over Canada on Sunday in the women’s baseball final at the Pan American Games.

Kimbrell’s double off Canadian reliever Jessica Berube came with two outs in the frame and restored a five-run lead for the U.S., one inning after Canada had clawed back to score three.

American starting pitcher Sarah Hudek, who hit in the clean-up spot, also drove in three. Michelle Snyder had two runs batted in and Samantha Cobb and Jenna Marston added an RBI apiece.

Hudek gave up three runs on four hits while walking five and striking out two over 3 1/3 innings. Stacy Piagno pitched 3 2/3 innings of shutout ball the rest of the way.

Jenna Flannigan, Kelsey Lalor and Amanda Asay had RBIs for Canada.