Van Ostrand leads Canada past Germany in World Baseball Classic qualifying

Jimmy Van Ostrand slugged two of Canada's five home runs in a 16-7 rout of the host German side on Saturday to move within one victory of the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Van Ostrand collected four hits, three runs and five RBIs, while Rene Tosini blasted a pinch-hit grand slam and Tyson Gillies and Jordan Lennerton each added home runs for the Ernie Whitt's team.

Adam Loewen and Shawn Bowman each collected three of Canada's 21 hits while Sheldon McDonald picked up the win in relief.

"A four-hour game, that says it all. What a game," said Whitt. "We threw too many pitchers. When you fall behind, hitters hit the ball. You have to give Germany a lot of credit. The score doesn't indicate how the game was played.

"Our goal coming in was to win three games. We haven't accomplished that yet. We will see who we play on Monday."

Canada will play in the deciding game for a spot in the 2013 Classic on Monday against the winner of Sunday's game between Germany and Great Britain.