Hastings Little League takes center stage

(Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver, BC) - Everett's key players came to play on Friday night and exposed Canadians starter RHP Ronny Morla as the Aquasox topped Vancouver 8-4 in front of 3,732 fans out at Nat Bailey Stadium.

The Canadians had three separate leads through the first three innings of Friday night's game only to see the Aquasox offense fight back time and time again.

With Vancouver leading 4-3 in the top of the 4th inning, Everett SS Nick Franklin hit a triple (2) to right field scoring C Trevor Coleman who walked to lead off the frame tying the game at 4-4. The Aquasox then cashed in what would become the winning run when CF Matt Cerione hit a single to center field scoring Franklin for Everett's fourth and final lead of the night.

Vancouver's offense went cold as Aquasox starter RHP Chris Kirkland along with RHP Eric Valdez and former Major Leaguer RHP Chad Cordero (rehab) combined to slam the door on the Canadians over the final six innings limiting the C's offense to just two hits to secure the 8-4 victory.

The Canadians fall to 35-39 (.473) on the season with only two games remaining on the 2009 schedule.

Notes: The Canadians honoured Hastings Little League with a pre-game ceremony that acknowledged the Little League for their efforts at the 2009 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson was on-hand as were Canadians Owner's Jake Kerr, Jeff Mooney and President Andy Dunn.

The Canadians held a silent auction and donated to proceeds to Hastings Little League raised $1,900 dollars on Friday night.

With Friday night's attendance of 3,732 the Canadians set a new mark with 142,130 fans through 36 openings (3,948) with two dates remaining. The Class-A Short-Season record for Vancouver was 140, 037 (2004) with 38 dates recorded.

For a complete box score from Friday night's 8-4 loss to the Everett Aquasox, please click on the link at the top of this story.

The Canadians and Aquasox will play game two of this three-game series on Saturday, September 5th at 7:05pm with Vancouver sending RHP Jonathan Joseph (0-1) to the mound.

Tickets to the final two games of the 2009 Vancouver Canadians home schedule are available by clicking on the link at the top of this story.