New Bedford MA- For the second consecutive night the JNT was forced to endure another rain delay that lasted in excess of two hours. The shortened 7 inning contest featured a pitcher’s duel with the Bay Sox earning a 2-0 win in a game played in one and a half hours.
Joel Pierce (Windsor, ON) got his first start of the pre-world’s tour for the JNT and didn’t show any signs of the rain delay affecting him.
“I was anxious for the game to start,” said Pierce moments after the loss. “But it’s just one of those things where you need to stay ready.”
Once Pierce took the mound the only blemish on his night was when he left a 2-0 fastball up. Bay Sox shortstop Michael Johnson belted the ball over the right field fence for a solo homerun; the game’s first run in the 3rd inning.
“My stuff was good tonight,” continued Pierce. “I felt if I had a little more command I might have done a little better.”
The other Bay Sox run came later on in the 3rd inning with 2 out, an error by shortstop Brandon Dailey (Brantford, ON) allowed the inning to continue. With the runner on first a single and a walk occurred which loaded the bases. Pierce then proceeded to hit the next batter making the score 2-0.
Pierce left the game after 5 complete innings giving up 2 runs (1 earned), 3 hits, 2 walks, 2 hit batters and 5 strikeouts.
Offensively the JNT was limited to 2 hits on the night with the first one coming in the 4th inning by JNT centre fielder Dalton Pompey (Mississauga, ON). Three Bay Sox pitchers combined to strikeout 8 batters on the night.
“Overall I thought they’re pitching was good,” said JNT Head Coach Greg Hamilton (Ottawa, ON). “Their first two guys threw real well and they made some good plays (on defence).”
One play in particular that Hamilton was referring to took place after Jalen Harris (Toronto, ON) had reached base via an opposite field single which was later erased as part of an impressive double play. The Bay Sox 2nd baseman ranged to his left, fielded the ball, spun and threw to the shortstop for the force out at second.
Both teams were held hitless for the rest of the game.
Brian Bardis (St. Constant, QC) pitched a scoreless 6th inning in relief of Pierce.
The game in New Bedford wrapped up the New England portion of the pre-world’s tour for the JNT and Coach Hamilton says he is pleased with where his team is at right now.
“We got a little bit of a wake-up call which we needed,” explained Hamilton. “It’s tough when guy’s come back together after being away for a time. We (coaching staff) have to get them to a level where they need to be at to compete internationally. I’m happy where we’re at right now.”
Notes: The JNT will fly to Minneapolis on July 15th to take part in the Saints International Baseball Showcase in St. Paul and St. Cloud, Minnesota which will feature Team USA, Taiwan and the Twin City High School All-Stars. The JNT will see their first action on July 16th when they take on Team USA at Midway Stadium in St. Paul; first pitch is scheduled for 8:05pm ET. ...The JNT finished the New England portion of their pre-world’s tour with a record of 2 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie.
The 2010 IBAF World Junior (18U) Baseball Championship will host national teams from Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Cuba, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Panama, Venezuela and the United States. Teams will begin qualifying games on July 23rd and the tournament will culminate in the Gold Medal game on August 1st at the Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Visit the website at www.worldbaseball2010.com. For tickets, please call Toll Free 1-877-422-3201.
