HAVANA, CUBA – Two unearned runs proved costly for Baseball Canada’s national senior team as it dropped to 2-2 at the 2006 Americas Olympic Qualifier after a 2-1 loss to Mexico. Canada took a 1-0 lead into the fifth thanks to Emerson Frostad’s (Calgary, Alta.) second homerun of the tournament in the fourth inning, but Canada botched the back end of a double play in the fifth, failing to end the inning unscathed. With Mexican runners on first and second, Canadian starter Brett Gray (Petrolia) induced a ground ball to short stop Kevin Nicholson who flipped it over to second for the second out of the inning, but with Mexican shortstop Carlos Gastelum bearing down on him, Canadian second baseman Stubby Clapp (Windsor, Ont.) had to rush his throw and missed his target at first base. Victor Bojorquez, Mexico’s speedy centre fielder had no trouble scoring from second on the play to tie the game at 1-1. Mexican right fielder Geronimo Gil knocked in team-mate Carlos Valencia later in the inning for the winning run. The errors, just two of four Canadian miscues on the day spoiled what was otherwise an impressive outing by Gray in his first start of the tournament as the right-hander gave up no earned runs behind five hits, three strikeouts and two walks in six innings of work. Canada threatened to tie the game in the bottom half of the fifth inning when left fielder Mike Saunders (Victoria, B.C) singled and centre fielder Sebastien Boucher (Ottawa, Ont.) walked to lead off the inning. However, Saunders was forced at third on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Clapp while Mexican starter Rafael Diaz got both shortstop Kevin Nicholson (Vancouver, B.C.) and right fielder Ryan Radmanovich (Calgary, Alta.) to pop up to end the inning. After coming from behind for two dramatic victories in the past two days, the Canadians looked like they had some fight left in them once again when third baseman Matt Rogelstad (New Westminster, B.C) ripped a bullet straight into Mauricio Tequida, the second Mexican reliever of the night. Tequida, was not injured on the play, but couldn’t recover in time to make a play. However, Tequida struck out yesterday’s hero, Frostad, while Mexican closer Adrian Manzano struck out Saunders and induced a ground out to Boucher to end the game, handing the Canadians their second defeat of the tournament. Jonathan Lockwood (Toronto, Ont.) and Cory Stuart (Surrey, B.C) did all they could in relief only surrendering one hit over the final three innings. Canada’s final round-robin game in the tournament comes tomorrow against Brazil. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST. Box Score
Sunday evening marked the end of Baseball Canada’s 2006 Championship Week, as teams battled for the gold. The PeeWee Boys tournament, wrapping up in Victoria, B.C., witnessed Québec defeat host Victoria 7-2 in the Gold Medal Game. Québec pitcher/first baseman M. Ouimet was 1-for-4 in the contest, driving in two runs, and helping to propel his team to the first place finish. Assisting his team to the silver, Victoria catcher Colton Lindsay went 1-for-3, with an RBI, and a run scored. Taking home the Bronze earlier was Ontario, who defeatied Alberta 11-0 in a mercy rule-shortened, five-inning game. Ontario’s third baseman/left fielder David Broll was 2-for-3, with 3 RBI, helping pitcher Michael Spezza earn the victory. Spezza hurled all five innings; surrendering only one hit and one walk for the victory. In the lone Sunday evening placement game, Nova Scotia defeated P.E.I. 7-4, claiming the third place consolation title. Host Windsor Riverside claimed third place bragging right at the Bantam Boys Championship, defeating Québec 6-5. Riverside’s Larry Balkwill went 3-for-3 at the plate, with 3 RBI, including a clutch fifth inning, 2 RBI double. On the losing end, Québec’s John Cameron and Sasha Lagarde both turned in 3-for-4 performances. Claiming the Gold Medal at the Bantam tournament was Ontario, who defeated Alberta 7 -0. Ontario winning pitcher Zack Ranta shut out Alberta allowing just five hits over five innings, and also contributing with a 2-for-3, 1 RBI performance at the plate. In the loss, Alberta pitcher Keegan Hucal struck out eight, and surrendered just two earned runs over his five innings. In Midget Championship action, Ontario claimed the gold, defeating B.C. in a tight 4-3 battle. Ontario catcher Anthony Fantazunni went 2-for-3, providing his team with an offensive spark. B.C. catcher Carson Vitale contributed to his team’s effort, driving in two runs with a 1-for-4 performance, in a losing effort. In the last Sunday Midget placement game, P.E.I. out-lasted Newfoundland & Labrador 7-2, as P.E.I. fist baseman Darcy Lapierre chipped in with 3 RBI. At the Junior tournament, Québec and host Guelph went toe-to-toe in an exciting extra-innings affair for the gold, with Guelph coming out on top 6–5 in the bottom of the eighth. Guelph catcher Steve Budai went 2-for-3 in the contest, chipping in with 3 RBI, while first baseman Mark Allen drove in the game winner in the last of the eighth. Québec’s Patrick D’Aoust contributed to his team’s effort with 2 RBI in the contest, helping Québec earn the silver. Earlier Sunday, Ontario captured the Junior Bronze title, defeating Manitoba 5-2. Ontario pitcher Craig Gillet pitched a complete game five hitter, surrendering just two runs, one of which was unearned, for the win. In Sunday’s Junior placement games: New Brunswick beat Nova Scotia 8-5 and Alberta had little trouble with B.C., winning 16-5 Alberta third baseman Brett Stowkowy went 2-for-3, with 4 RBI and 2 runs scored, while catcher James Woods also contributed with a 2-for-2, 4 RBI, performance. The Senior Championship concluded, Sunday, with New Brunswick standing atop the podium, shutting out Saskatchewan 2-0. New Brunswick pitcher Derek Wilson hurled a complete game, surrendering just five hits, and no walks in the tournament final. In earlier Senior action, Ontario 2 defeated provincial rival Ontario 2-0 to claim the Bronze Medal. Ontario 2 starter Victor Simon earned the win, hurling a complete game, six hit shutout, while Ontario pitcher Steven Carter took the loss, despite an impressive seven inning, four hit performance. Baseball Canada would like to thank each host city – Victoria, B.C., Windsor, ON, Summerside, P.E.I., Guelph, ON, and Brandon, MB – and all of their volunteers, for all their time and effort in putting on each Championship. For more information concerning Baseball Canada and its Championships, please visit www.baseball.ca
Havana, Cuba – Emerson Frostad’s (Calgary, Alta.) solo homerun to lead off the 10th-inning was the wining run in a 7-5 Canadian win over Venezuela today at the 2006 COPABE Americas Olympic Qualifier. Frostad, who came off the bench in the eighth inning to replace starting catcher David Corrente (Chatham, Ont.), was a clutch performer for the second straight day. After keying a four-run ninth inning to come from behind for a 6-5 win over Puerto Rico yesterday, Frostad was 2-for-2 with 2 runs scored and an RBI in today’s victory. In addition to hitting the game-winner over the left field fence, Frostad also helped ignite a Canadian comeback in his first at bat in the top-half of the eighth when he singled off of Venezuelan relief pitcher Argenis Laendeta to load the bases with one out. With Canada down 4-2, Mike Saunders (Victoria, B.C.) then hit a ground-rule double to tie the game before Sebastien Boucher cashed Frostad with a single to left for the go-ahead run, 5-4 Canada. After Luis Cordova homered on Canadian reliver Mike Johnson’s (Edmonton, Alta.) first pitch of the game to notch things up at 5-5 in the bottom of the eighth, Saunders and Frostad teamed up to make what may very well have been the biggest play of the game. In the bottom of the ninth and Puerto Rico threatining with men on first and second base and two outs, José Aronte slapped a single over the left side of the infield. Saunders, the left fielder, charged the ball and zipped a bullet over to Frostad who went to his left to retrieve the ball and dove back to his right to tag Luis Landaeta at the plate to end the inning and send the game into extras. In the extra frame, Kevin Nicholson (Vancouver, B.C.) followed Frostad’s homer with a RBI single to add an insurance marker, 7-5 Canada. Pierre-Luc Laforest also had a good day at the plate for Canada, going 3-for-3 with a homerun, two runs scored, 1 RBI and 1 walk. Johnson picked up the win for Canada while T.J. Burton sent the Venezuelans home hitless in the bottom half of the tenth to earn the save. Canada faces Mexico in its fourth Olympic Qualifier round robin game tomorrow at Santiago Mederos Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST. Box Score
HAVANA, CUBA – Stubby Clapp hit a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth to cap off a Canadian comeback win in which Canada tallied four times in the final frame to beat Puerto Rico 6-5 at the Americas Olympic Qualifier in Havana, Cuba today. After struggling to manufacture offence and with one away and nobody on in the bottom of the ninth inning, Canada loaded the bases on singles from Emerson Frostad, Matt Rogelstad and Mike Saunders. Sebastien Boucher then hit a double down the right field line to bring the Canadians within one run at 5-4, setting the table for Clapp’s heroics. The win puts Canada at 1-1 in the qualifier. Puerto Rico got on the board first in the top-half of the first inning, taking a 2-0 lead behind a walk a double and a base hit allowed by Canadian starter Mike Meyers (London, Ont.). Canada cut that lead in half in the bottom of the second when third baseman Matt Rogelstad drove a base hit to left-centre field to score first baseman Pierre-Luc Laforest (Hull, Qué.) from second base. A lead off walk to Puerto Rican left fielder José Valazquez set the table for a deep drive to left by José Leon that carried over the wall for a homerun and a 4-1 Puerto Rico lead. Canada again managed to cut the lead in half the following inning and Laforest was at it again. After Jeremy Ware (Guelph, Ont.) drew a lead-off walk, Laforest doubled to the gap in right, setting up an RBI ground out from Rogelstad to score Ware, 4-2 Puerto Rico. Wither runners on the corners and only one out in the top of the eight, Puerto Rico scored their fifth run of the game as Laforest bobbled a throw from Clapp at first base allowing Figueroa to score from third base. T.J. Burton then came in to strike out Leon and induce a ground out to end the inning with Puerto Rico up 5-2. Mike Saunders threw out Puerto Rican Centre fielder Jesus Feliciano trying to score from second base on a single to left to end the eighth inning and the threat of more Puerto Rican insurance runs, allowing Canada to go into the ninth inning down three runs. Box Score Schedule
Sunday action from the Baseball Canada Championships revealed who would compete for podium finishes. In late Saturday action from the PeeWee Boys Championship: New Brunswick defeated Saskatchewan 10-3; and Alberta topped Ontario 11-9. Alberta left fielder Curtis Mazurkewich went 2-for-4, with 6 RBI, and 2 runs scored, propelling his team passed Ontario. On Sunday, New Brunswick (2-3) battled B.C. (2-2) in the fourth place game, resulting in an 8-5 B.C. win. B.C.’s Tyler Barlow and Justin Sawatzky both chipped in with three hits apiece, propelling their team to a fourth place finish. Saskatchewan (1-4) also took on Newfoundland & Labrador (0-4) in the fifth place game, resulting in an 11-1 Saskatchewan victory. Chaise Cardinal and Matt Ring both contributed with fifth inning, two-run doubles helping Saskatchewan claim fifth place. The PeeWee Boys Semi-finals also took place Sunday, with Victoria (4-1) beating Alberta (3-1) 16-1 from Carnarvon East, while Ontario (3-1) fell 15-5 to Québec (5-0) from Carnarvon West. Victoria’s Matt Ney went 3-for-5, with two doubles, and two runs batted in, while Québec’s Mathieu Vertefeuille’s three run homer sparked his team’s offence passed Ontario. The Gold Medal Game will feature Quebec take on Victoria, while the Bronze will showcase Ontario versus Alberta. Final day Bantam Boys action was thrown a curve ball, Sunday, as inclement weather prevented fourth and fifth place cross over games from taking place. In semi-final play, however, Alberta (3-1) inched passed Québec (4-1) 1-0, while Ontario (3-1) defeated host Windsor (5-0) 6-2. The Gold Medal Game is schedules for 6:30 PM Sunday, and will showcase Alberta versus Ontario. The Bronze Medal Game will also take place Sunday, sechduled to begin at 4:00 PM. Alberta starting pitcher Steven Inch pitched a perfect game against Québec, striking out 15, and at one point 11 in a row. Ontario winning pitcher Mike Gottschalk threw 5.3 innings versus Windsor, striking out 11. Gottschalk also helped his own cause at the dish, going 3-for-4 with a home run. In Bantam placement game action, B.C. topped Saskatchewan 6-5, highlighted by Dillon Plaxton’s two home runs, and 5 RBI. Sunday Midget games from Summerside and Tignish, P.E.I. showcased two well-fought semi-final games: B.C. (3-1) narrowly topped Saskatchewan (3-1) 2-0, while Ontario (4-0) out lasted New Brunswick (3-2) 1-0. B.C. winning pitcher Jordan Padrinao surrendered two hits over seven innings, striking out nine, and walking just one, while Saskatchewan starter Matt Kostenick allowed just five hits two runs, only one earned, over his six innings to take the loss. Ontario pitcher Matthew Piccini hurled all seven innings, giving up just one hit and no runs, earning the win over New Brunswick. The Gold Medal Game, to begin at 7:00 PM Atlantic time, will feature B.C. versus Ontario, while the Bronze match-up, set for 4:00 PM Atlantic time, will showcase Saskatchewan take on New Brunswick. In other Sunday games: Québec (2-3) fell 14-6 to New Brunswick (3-2), but rebounded to defeat Manitoba (2-2) 6-3; and Alberta (2-2) beat Nova Scotia (1-3) 6-4. Québec third baseman Michael Page went 2-for-2 in his team’s win over Manitoba, chipping in with two runs batted in. Semi-final results from the Junior Championship showcased host Guelph (3-1) defeat provincial rival St. Thomas (4-0), representing Ontario, 14-3, as well as Québec (3-1) handing Manitoba (3-1) a 5-1 defeat. The two winning teams will play in the Gold Medal Game 8:00 PM Sunday evening, while the two losers will square off in the Bronze Medal match-up at 5:15 PM. In other final day action from the Junior tournament, Saskatchewan (0-4) out-lasted Newfoundland & Labrador (0-4) 4-3 in placement game action. In the Senior Men’s late Saturday game, Ontario 2 (2-2) prevailed 9-7 over Nova Scotia (2-2), setting up Saskatchewan (3-1) versus Ontario (4-0) and Ontario 2 (2-2) versus New Brunswick (3-1) as the tournament’s semi-final match-ups, Sunday. Earning a spot in the Gold Medal Game were Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, who defeated Ontario and Ontario2 4-3, and 8-3 respectively. New Brunswick left fielder Chris Sorenson contributed with 4 RBI, going 1-for-2 at the plate in the win over Ontario 2. For schedules, box scores, and more information on the Baseball Canada Championships, please visit www.baseball.ca, and follow the Championship link to your desired tournament.
Third day action from Baseball Canada’s Championship continued, Saturday, with a number of key match-ups. In Day 3 PeeWee Boys action, P.E.I. out-duelled Saskatchewan 10-7, evening their recordat 2-2; and New Brunswick shut out Manitoba 6-0. P.E.I.’s Tyson Phillips was 2-for-3, with 2 RBI, while Saskatchewan’s Travis Gerwing went 4-for-4 in the loss. New Brunswick second baseman Matthew Morton went 2-for-4, with 2 RBI, helping pitcher Andrew Case earn the win. Case hurled seven strong innings, striking out seven, and surrendering just six hits. At Day 3 from the Bantam Boys Champioship: B.C. improved their record to 3-1, topping Newfoundland & Labrador 15-1; P.E.I. edged Manitoba 4-3; host Windsor maintained their lead over Pool A defeating Québec 7-2; and Ontario edged Nova Scotia 5-2 Highlighted performances included: B.C.’s Bryan Arthur was 2-for-4, with 3 RBI, and a double, helping his team defeat Newfoundland & Labrador. P.E.I.’s Alex Abbott went 2-for-4, with 2 RBI, sparking his team’s offence passed Manitoba. Windsor’s Tanner Nivins hit two home runs, driving in four, and providing the necessary offence to beat Quebec. In Midget action from Summerside and Tignish, Prince Edward Island: Saskatchewan improved their record to 3-1, topping Newfoundland & Labrador 9-7 and Manitoba 5-1; Alberta defeated New Brunsiwick 8-1; Ontario had little trouble with Nova Scotia, solidifying first place in Pool A with a 17-0 victory; and B.C. fell 9-2 to Québec, yet managed to clinch first place in Pool B with a 3-1 record. Notable performances from these games included: Saskatchewan right fielder Brice Schaan went 1-for-2, with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored, edging his team passed Newfoundland/Labrador. In their second game, Sask. pitcher Tyler Riggs pitched all seven innings, giving up just three hits, and fanning seven for a victory over Manitoba. Alberta right fielder Sheldon McDonald and shortstop Micheal Cala each chipped in with 2-for-4, 2 RBI performances in a win versus New Brunswick. Ontario second baseman Brandon Neuman went 2-for-4, with an impressive 5 RBI in a win against Nova Scotia. In late Friday action from the Juior Championship, host Guelph topped Alberta 3-1, represented by the U of Calgary Jr. Dinos, in an extra inning affair. Guelph left fielder Nick Stahl went 2-for-4, with 2 RBI, while pitcher Kevin Wallace hurled all eight innings, surrendering just three hits, one run, and stiking out 13 for the win. In Saturday Junior games: Manitoba out-lasted Newfoundland & Labrador 6-4, who also lost 4-3 to Alberta; Ontario beat B.C. 7-0; and Québec defeated Saskatchewan 9-2. Highlights from the games included: Manitoba second baseman Matt Chester went 3-for-5, with 2 RBI in a win over Newfoundland & Labrador. St. Thomas Tomcat starting pitcher Mike Damchuck threw a complete game two hitter, not allowing a run, and striking out six B.C. hitters. In Saturday Senior action: Saskatchewan beat Ontario 2 10-1; Québec evened their record at 2-2, defeating Manitoba 5-2; B.C. shut out host Brandon 8-0; and Ontario out-duelled Nova Scotia 9-5. Notes from the match-ups include: Saskatchewan third baseman Dusty Emberley went 3-for-4, with 4 RBI in a win against Ontario 2. B.C. starter Jordy Alexander threw a complete game one hitter, not allowing a run, earning the win against host Brandon. Ontario right fielder Thomas Grubb and third baseman Bryan Dufour each contributed with three runs batted in, sparking the offence passed Nova Scotia. For more information, please follow the Championship link on the Baseball Canada website at www.baseball.ca.
Second half action from Saturday determined who would be playing for the hardware on Sunday. At the PeeWee Championship from Victoria: Nova Scotia fell 11-3 to Ontario, but defeated B.C. 8-6; Quebec defeated Victoria 10-4; Alberta topped Newfoundland & Labrador 4-3; and Manitoba defeated P.E.I. 7-3. Game notes from these games included: Nova Scotia right fielder/pitcher T. Hall went 2-for-3, with 2 runs scored, an impressive 6 RBI, propelling his team passed B.C. Quebec right fielder M. Marcoux was 1-for-4, with 4 RBI, helping his team defeat Victoria. Manitoba right fielder K. Demers helped his team passed P.E.I with a 2 RBI performance. Late Saturday Bantam Boys games showcased: Alberta slugging their way to a win over New Brunswick 16-2; Manitoba topping Newfoundland12-4; Quebec out-dueling P.E.I. 7-3; Ontario bettering New Brunswick 9-2; Saskatchewan narrowly squeaking out a 3-2 win over Nova Scotia; and Windsor defeating B.C. 5-1. Highlights from those games were: Alberta starting pitcher Scott Gerun earned a complete game victory over New Brunswick, while helping his own cause with a lead off home run. Manitoba’s Elliot Desilets was 2-for-3, with 5 RBI in their win over Newfoundland/Labrador. Quebec’s Matthew Lightman earned the win over P.E.I., hurling three innings, and striking out three. Ontario’s Darnell Duckett smacked two home runs in a 2-for-3, 4 RBI performance. Nove Scotia pitcher Chris Stackhouse struck out 10 hitters in a notable performance against Saskatchewan. Windsor winning pitcher Brett VanPelt hurled a seven inning complete game, striking out seven in an impressive outing. Late third day Midget action from P.E.I witnessed Alberta having little difficulty with P.E.I., winning 10-2. Alberta first baseman Andrew Grafton went 3-for-4 with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored in a victory over P.E.I. Sunday Semi-Final Midget action will showcase Saskatchewan versus B.C., as well as the winner of New Brunswick and Quebec, who will take on Ontario. In late Sunday action from the Junior Championship in Guelph: Alberta beat Newfoundland & Labrador 4-3; Ontario shut out New Brunswick 5-0; and host Guelph kept Nova Scotia off the board, winning 3-0. Highlights from the games icluded: Ontario pitchers Curtis McCormick and Matthew Martinow, who combined to throw seven innings of shut out ball, allowing just three New Brunswick hits. Guelph Silvercreeks starting pitcher Luis Castillo hurled a no hitter versus Nova Scotia, not walking a hitter, and striking out 12. Sunday’s semi-finals will showcase Guelph take on Ontario, as well as Quebec versus Manitoba. At Sunday’s second half Senior games: Ontario 2 was shut out by New Brunswick 6-0; Manitoba narrowly topped Albera 6-5; and Saskatchewan outlasted Quebec 4-3. Game notes included: New Brunswick right fielder David Barr went 3-for-4, with an RBI in their win versus Ontario 2. Saskatchewan first baseman, Matt Gunning, and catcher Dillon Okrane each has 2 RBI in their win over Quebec. Sunday’s semi-finals will feature Saskatchewan versus Ontario, and New Brunswick taking on the winner of Pool B. For complete schedules, standings, and other information, please visit www.baseball.ca and follow the Championship link to your desired age category.
National Championship Week continued, Friday, with a number of important games being played. In late Day 1 PeeWee Boys action, B.C. came out on top 5-1 in their match-up with Newfoundland & Labrador. Winning pitcher Kyle Joel hurled a complete game four hitter, allowing just one run, while striking out 10. At the plate, Joel also provided the requisite offence, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBI. In Day 2 action from the Bantam Boys tournament: Alberta improved their record to 2-0, defeating Ontario 8-5; Newfoundland & Labrador fell 17-0 to P.E.I.; and Québec out-duelled B.C. 6-5. Alberta’s Dan Wiun was 2-for-3, helping pitcher Tom Muhlenthalev receive a win versus Ontario. In addition, notable performance from Thursday Bantam Boys action included: Alberta pitcher Steven Inch, who struck out 17 Nova Scotia hitters in a 9-2 win. Ontario’s Kevin Nickel went 3-for-3, driving in five, with a third inning grand slam, and a solo homer in the fifth. Québec’s Anthony Marandola went 2-for-3 with a home run, and 4 RBI. B.C. winning pitcher Jason Gibson struck out 10 Manitoba hitters in four innings of work. New Brunswick starting pitcher Robert Gallant hurled a complete game shutout, helping his team narrowly inch passed Saskatchewan. Host Windsor’s Laszlo Horvath went 2-for-3, with 2 RBI, chipping in with a double, and a home run. At the Midget Boys Championship: B.C. defeated P.E.I. 7-2, improving their record to 2-0; Ontario also remained undefeated, topping Manitoba 7-2 and Newfoundland & Labrador 12-0, improving their record to 3-0 thus far; Saskatchewan shut out Nova Scotia 3-0; and Québec topped Alberta 11-5. Highlights from those games included: B.C. centre fielder Jordan Padrinao went 3-for-4 at the plate, with 4 RBI. Ontario third baseman Brandon Neuman was 2-for-3, with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored in a win versus Manitoba. In Ontario’s game against Newfoundland & Labrador, shortstop James Macklem went 2-for-3, with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Saskatchewan starting pitcher Sean Carrick tossed a complete game one hitter, striking out five, earning the win against Nova Scotia. Québec catcher Alexandre Gauthier was 3-for-3, with 3 RBI, and a run scored, helping his team hold off a late Alberta charge. In second day Senior action from Brandon: B.C. evened their record at 1-1, beating New Brunswick 6-1; and Ontario narrowly defeated Québec 5-3 B.C. first baseman Scott Nehaj stung New Brunswick pitching, going 2-for-3 at the plate, with 1 RBI, and 2 runs plated. Due to unfavourable weather conditions, Day 2 Junior action was postponed, Friday, to be resumed later in the day. Scores and highlights for those games will be reported in the second daily recap this evening. For more information, please visit www.baseball.ca and follow the Championship link on the left hand side of the page.
A number of vital games took place during Friday’s later match-ups. Day 2 action from the PeeWee Boys Tournament, hosted by Victoria, B.C. showcased: Victoria defeating P.E.I. 6-5; Québec improving to 3-0, beating New Brunswick 12-5; Ontario remaining atop Pool B with as 2-0 record, after topping Newfoundland & Labrador 8-1; Saskatchewan beating Manitoba 14-4; and B.C. defeating Alberta 13-2, sitting at 2-1 in Pool B. Notable performances from the PeeWee Championship included: Victoria’s Luke Hawkins was 3-for-3 at the dish, starting a seventh inning rally with a single in the final frame, and sparking his team’s offence passed P.E.I. Ontario's Michael Landsdowne went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Aaron Palmer smacked a two-run homer. Saskatchewan starting pitcher Nolan Dezotell hurled all five innings, and ripped a 2 RBI double in a win versus Manitoba. B.C. smashed four home runs off Alberta pitching, as Jarod Bartnik, Mitchell Harrington, Justin Sawatzky, and Lucas Cops all went yard in the win. Friday Bantam action witnessed: host Windsor shutting out Manitoba 10-0, and topping Newfoundland & Labrador 8-2; Saskatchewan defeating Alberta 10-7; Nova Scotia evening their record at 1-1, decisively winning their game13-7 against rival New Brunswick; Québec keeping their unbeaten streak alive, beating Manitoba 4-0; and B.C. taking care of P.E.I. 11-0. Highlights from the games included: Windsor catcher Larry Balkwill picked off two would-be base runners, and erased three base stealers in the host’s win over Newfoundland & Labrador. In addition, teammate Tanner Nivins belted two home runs, going 2-for-3, with 5 RBI in the game. Saskatchewan’s Tyler McWhirter went 2-for-4 at the plate, hitting the game winning home run, and driving in six runs versus Alberta. Nova Scotia scored 12 runs in the sixth inning, fighting back from a 7-1 deficit, to overcome New Brunswick. Québec starting pitcher Etienne Nollet pitched a complete game shutout, striking out four in a win against Manitoba. B.C starter Michael Ellis fanned 10 P.E.I. hitters in just four innings in a mercy-rule shortened game. In later Midget action, B.C. defeated New Brunswick 6-5; P.E.I. inched passed Québec 2-1; and Manitoba out lasted Nova Scotia 7-5. In their win over New Brunswick, B.C. catcher Carson Vitale was 2-for-3, with 3 RBI, and a run scored. Friday Junior games, postponed due to rain, saw New Brunswick come away with an 11-3 win over Saskatchewan. Fredericton Leon’s Vikings right fielder Mike Burns, representing New Brunswick, provided the offensive spark, going 2-for-4 at the plate, with 2 RBI, and a run scored. In other Junior action: Québec shut out B.C. 8-0, but later fell 2-1 to Ontario; Newfoundland & Labrador failed to score, dropping 10-0 to Nova Scotia; Manitoba defeated Alberta 8-2; and B.C. out-slugged New Brunswick 13-12. At the Senior Men’s Championship, Ontario 2 improved to 2-0, defeating the MSBL Host Brandon 4-1. Wining pitcher Victor Simon pitched a complete game six hitter, surrendering just one earned run, helping Ontario 2 move atop the Pool B standings. In other Senior action from Friday’s second half: Alberta pushed themselves ahead of Nova Scotia 9-7; Ontario improved to 3-0, defeating Manitoba 13-7; and host Brandon dropped to 0-3, losing 7-2 to New Brunswick. For more information, please visit the Championship link on Baseball Canada’s website, at www.baseball.ca
Five Championships kicked off Thursday: PeeWee Boys hosted by Victoria, B.C.; Bantam Boys in Windsor, ON; Midget Boys from Summerside, P.E.I.; Junior held by Guelph, ON; and Senior from Brandon, MB. At the PeeWee Boys Championship, Ontario was victorious in their game against B.C., winning 9-5. Ontario pitcher D. Broll gave up just five runs over seven innings, striking out 10, for the complete game victory. In addition, Broll helped his own cause at the plate, going 2-for-4 with 3 RBI. In Bantam Boys action, Alberta out-duelled Nova Scotia 9-2, while Ontario defeated Saskatchewan 6-0. At the Midget Boys Championship, Nova Scotia got off to a solid start, defeating Newfoundland/Labrador 9-1. In other Midget Boys action, New Brunswick beat Québec 2-0 in a nine-inning nail biter, while Ontario out-matched Saskatchewan 14-4. New Brunswick pitchers Duncan Cronk and Ben Higgins teamed up to allow just one hit each, fanning eight, and not allowing a run, while Québec starter Jean-Francois Ricard hurled an impressive eight innings, surrendering just three hits, striking out seven, and not allowing a single run for the no-decision. As well, British Columbia began their bid for the Junior Championship title by defeating Saskatchewan 7-4, while Manitoba topped host Guelph 6-3. Representing B.C., Victoria Jr. Mavericks’ third baseman Joey Roberts went 2-for-2 in the contest, scoring once, and driving in two. In addition, Québec defeated New Brunswick 11-1 in six innings, highlighted by designated hitter Jimmy Durette, who was 3-for-4, with 3 RBI in the game. In Senior action from Brandon, MB, Ontario got off to a hot start, beating Alberta 16-0, in a mercy rule-shortened, five-inning game. Ontario left fielder Dave Mastrodicasa was 3-for-4 at the plate, with 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. Ontario pitchers Steven Carp and Derek Papp combined to surrender just two hits while striking out five. In other Senior play, Saskatchewan fell 3-0 to New Brunswick, while Nova Scotia shut out Québec 4-0. New Brunswick right fielder David Barr was 3-for3 in the game, driving in all three runs, and helping pitcher Josh Collins get the win. Collins gave up just two hits, no walks, and struck out five in an impressive outing. Nova Scotia pitcher Jason Bailey pitched a complete game shut-out, surrendering just five hits, walking just one, and striking out five. For more information regarding Baseball Canada’s Championships, please visit the Championships link at http://www.baseball.ca/eng_doc.cfm?DocID=145
