Chalk up another accomplishment for North Battleford pitcher Andrew Albers.
Albers is with the Canadian national team this week as they attempt to qualify for the Olympics, and they took a big step towards that goal Monday with a combined 7-0 no-hitter against Colombia.
Albers was the starting pitcher in that contest, as he and two relievers combined for the no-hitter. In the contest Albers retired 20 in a row and struck out seven batters, including five in a row at one point. Only one Colombia batter made it onto first base as a hit batsman.
The game took place at the WBSC Baseball Americas Olympic Qualifier in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Canada notched another victory Tuesday against Cuba by a 6-5 score, knocking Cuba out of the Olympics and moving Canada’s record to 2-0. Canada now advances to the Super Round portion of the qualifiers.
Albers has been with Team Canada for the past week after starting the season with the St. Paul Saints, the AAA minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Albers signed with the Twins organization this year after a successful three-year stint in Japan with Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.
