EASLEY—Canada opened a 5-0 lead in the top of the third inning, then held on to defeat Germany 7-4 Friday night

Canada improved to 1-1 in the International Pool of the Big League World Series. Canada plays Mexico, also 1-1, 9 a.m. Saturday.

Germany drops to 0-2 and plays Guam 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Matthew Brogan pitched six and a third innings for Canada, picking up the win. Johnny MacLeod faced the final two batters of the game, earning the save.

Canada scored its first run in the top of the first inning. Cal McNeil got on base via a walk. He moved to second on Matthew Brogan’s single, then scored when Jeff Conn hit a single.

Canada added another run in the second inning. Johnny MacLeod singled, then stole second. He moved to third base on a single by Daniel Lewis, then scored on a fielding error. Canada ended the inning with the bases loaded, but German pitcher Dennis Jeworowski was able to escape the inning with no further damage on the scoreboard.

In the top of the third inning, Johnny MacLeod walked, then moved to second on Matthew Leonard’s single. MacLeod advanced to third base on a wild pitch, then scored on Daniel Lewis’ single. Greg McKinnon then hit a triple to drive two more runs in for Canada, stretching the lead to 5-0.

In the bottom of the third, Germany got onto the scoreboard. Steffan Kugel reached base on an error. He moved to second base on a hit by Michael Gallen. Sascha Brockmeyer’s single then allowed Kugel to reach home plate, cutting the Canadian lead to 5-1.

Canada scored another run in the top of the fifth when Johnny MacLeod hit a solo home run.

In the bottom of the inning, Germany added two more runs. David Selsemeyer singled then reached second on an error. Selsemeyer then moved to third on a passed ball.

Michael Gallen reached base after being hit by a pitch. Sascha Brockmeyer then hit a single, driving Selsemeyer in from third. Gallen made to third base on Brockmeyer’s hit. Gallen eventually scored on a single by Rene Wolf, cutting Canada’s lead to 6-3.

In the bottom of the sixth, Germany added another run. Christopher Goebel hit a double, then came in when Steffen Kugel hit a double.

Canada answered in the top of the seventh. Johnny MacLeod reached base with a walk, then reached third base on Matthew Leonard’s double. MacLeod then scored on a ground-out.

Germany was unable to score in the bottom of the inning, so Canada took the 7-4 win.