Canada Defeats Colombia in World Baseball Classic Opener, Fueled by Caissie and Toro

San Juan, March 7, 2026 – Team Canada secured a 7-2 victory over Colombia in their opening game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Saturday, with key contributions from Owen Caissie and Abraham Toro. The game, played at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, marked Canada’s debut in the tournament, while Colombia suffered its second consecutive loss after falling to Puerto Rico 5-0 on Friday MLB.com.

Caissie’s Early Home Run Sets the Tone

Canada took an early lead in the second inning when Owen Caissie hit a two-run home run off Colombian starter Austin Bergner, putting the North American team ahead 2-0 MLB.com. Notably, Caissie’s home run was described as being hit “directly into a Canadian flag” MLB.com.

Canadian Offense Extends Lead

Colombia responded with a run in the third inning against Canadian starter Michael Soroka, who replaced Julio Teherán due to right shoulder discomfort, narrowing the score to 2-1. However, Canada extended its lead in the bottom of the third. Josh Naylor singled, followed by a hit from Tyler O’Neill. A subsequent hit by Tyler Black led to a double play, but Naylor advanced to third. A walk to Abraham Toro with the bases loaded scored Naylor, increasing the lead to 3-1.

Defensive Errors and Late-Game Scoring

Canada capitalized on Colombian defensive errors, similar to those seen in Colombia’s game against Puerto Rico. In the seventh inning, Denzel Clarke reached second base on a dropped fly ball by Jesús Marriaga, and Naylor then drove in Clarke with a hit to center field, making the score 4-1. Colombia added another run in the eighth, but Canada responded with four more runs in the bottom of the inning to seal the victory.

Looking Ahead

Canada will next face Panama on Sunday, while Colombia will play Cuba. The result leaves Colombia’s chances of continuing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic in jeopardy X.