Danbury CT- The JNT got their first win of the pre-world’s tour as they defeated the Danbury Westerners of the NECBL. Taking advantage of 4 walks in the top of the 9th inning to break a tie game, the JNT hung on for a 9-7 come from behind victory.
“Collectively we’re starting to understand that every guy on the team has a job to do,” said JNT Coach Phil Tomlinson (Trois-Rivières, QC) “ If people understand their role on the team, we’ll do pretty well.”
After being blanked in the top of the 1st inning, things got off to a shaky start for the JNT and starting pitcher Brian Smith (Pickering, ON). Danbury, who lead the NECBL’s Western Division, collected 3 runs in the inning thanks to a double by Brandon Boudreaux that saw 2 runs score.
Afterwards, Smith was able to shut down the Westerners for three straight innings and really settled into the game.
“Once I got through the 2nd inning I gained confidence,” said Smith. “I just battled in there after the 1st inning. It was just a grind it out type of game.”
Smith lasted 6 innings which is the longest outing out of the four games played thus far. He gave up one run in the 5th and two more in the 6th inning thanks to a 2-run homer off the bat of Derek Ingui of the Westerners.
Offensively the JNT pounded out eight hits lead by Alex Calbick (Burnaby, BC) with two and 2 RBI’s.
Down 6-3 in the 7th inning the JNT struck for 4 runs to pull ahead by one. After Rowan Wick (North Vancouver, BC) scored on a hit by Calbick, Justin Atkinson took advantage of a throwing error to score and bring the JNT to within 1 run of the lead. Jordan Boston (Brampton, ON) then came off the bench and drove a ball over the leftfielders head, 2 more runs scored on the play although Boston was thrown out at second base trying to stretch the hit into a double.
The Westerners were able to tie the game in the bottom of the 7th after Rhett Stafford doubled and took advantage of an errant pick-off throw by pitcher Tanner Spencer (Craik, SK) advancing to 3rd base. Stafford then scored on a sacrifice fly.
Disappointed with their effort so far on the tour, the JNT were determined to take the lead in the top of the 9th inning. Everyone on the bench was standing, focussing their efforts towards the field and supporting their teammates.
“I was really happy when I saw that,” said an elated Tomlinson, speaking about the actions of the team. “That’s exactly what we need. We need to have the desire to win.”
Thanks to 4 walks and some crafty base running, the JNT took the lead for good putting across two runs. The inning was highlighted by an Emmanuel Forcier (St-Hycinthe, QC) sacrifice fly that scored pinch runner Chris Robinson (Uxbridge, ON).
After working a scoreless 8th inning, Nicholas Pivetta (Victoria, BC) struck out the final two batters with runners at 1st and 3rd to secure the victory.
“We’re really happy (with the game),” explained Tomlinson. “Defensively we played pretty good and we hit the ball well.”
Notes: The JNT will get right back at it on the July 13th as they travel to Torrington, Connecticut to take on the Torrington Titans of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League, first pitch to come at 7pm ET. ...The Westerners are the oldest team in the NECBL playing their first season in 1995. ... Fans can be kept up-to-date with scores and news of the JNT by following Baseball Canada on twitter.com
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.
.jpeg)
