Torrington CT- The scene at Fuessenich Park did not look promising when the first pitch was supposed to be thrown between the JNT and the Torrington Titans of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. After a rain delay lasting more than two hours and some incredible work by the grounds crew the game was played in 7 innings with the JNT coming out on top 4-3.
This was perhaps the JNT best performance of the pre-world’s tour to this date and the team seems to be heading in the right direction as they prepare for the World Junior Baseball Championships in Thunder Bay starting July 23rd.
“I think it was probably our best overall effort,” said JNT Head Coach Greg Hamilton (Ottawa, ON) “We picked the ball up, played well defensively, got some timely hitting and Tom Robson (Ladner, BC) did a great job on the mound.”
Robson indeed had a stellar outing holding the Titan bats at bay for the better part of the game. The Titans got to Robson in the 1st inning after 2 runs scored thanks to a throwing error.
Robson was virtually flawless the rest of the way and ended the night pitching 6 strong innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned), scattering 5 hits, 2 walks and recording an impressive 8 strikeouts.
“I think this bodes well for Tom going into the tournament (World Championships),” continued Hamilton. “We’ve got options with him and can probably use him anywhere going forward.”
Mike Ellis (Surrey, BC) made his first appearance since the opening game of the tour in Laconia and recorded the save in the 7th inning.
Offensively the JNT erased the 2-run deficit in the 3rd inning to take the lead. Chayse Marion (Red Deer, AB) advanced to home on a wild pitch putting the JNT on the board. Then, with the bases loaded, Brandon Dailey (Brantford, ON) nailed a ball that bounced under the 3rd baseman’s glove and into left field allowing the tying and go-ahead runs to score.
Torrington pulled even in the bottom of the 4th after Robson allowed one of his two walks in the game followed by a single and two consecutive groundouts to tie the game.
It was Dailey again however that delivered a run scoring double in the top of the 5th to give the JNT a lead that they would not relinquish.
The JNT have now won back-to-back games on the tour and are showing signs of a team that is ready to compete each game.
“I think consistency is the biggest thing for us,” continued Hamilton. “We had good defence, offence, and some good pitching tonight and if we continue to do that we’re going to be successful.”
Notes: The JNT will make their final appearance in New England on July 14 when they travel to New Bedford, Massachusetts to take on the New Bedford Bay Sox of the NECBL, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30pm ET. ...The JNT wore their grey jerseys for the first time on the tour against Torrington. ... Washington Nationals rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg was once a member of the Torrington summer collegiate team (2007) when they were known as the ‘Twisters’ and played in the NECBL loop. ...Torrington had a Canadian on their roster in Todd Blair (Ajax, ON). ...First pitch in Torrington was thrown at 9:17pm ET. ... Both club’s agreed to only play 7 innings.
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.
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