Flannigan leads Canada past Australia 9-6 at women’s baseball World Cup

VIERA, Fla. – Right-fielder Jenna Flannigan had three hits, including two doubles, to drive in three runs as Canada topped Australia 9-6 on Saturday at the women’s baseball World Cup.

Starting pitcher Allison Schroder gave up six runs — only two earned — and struck out two in 3 2/3 innings for Canada (3-1). Elizabeth Gilder gave up two hits, had a wild pitch, and hit a batter in her two-thirds of an inning before Anne-Sophie Lavallee came in for the win.

“This was a big character win for our team,” said Canadian Manager Andre Lachance. “We received contributions up and down our line up and from players off the bench. It was a real team-win tonight.”

Lavallee pitched 2 2/3 innings, striking out two but only allowing two hits.

The Canadians trailed 6-3 after four innings before rallying past Australia (2-2).

“There’s no quit in this team and we showed that tonight,” stated Lachance. “We have a group (of players) that plays for one another, believes in one another and does what it takes to win.”

Canada, which suffered its only loss at the tournament against five-time defending champion Japan (4-0), will close out round-robin play Sunday against the Dominican Republic (2-2).