RC blanks Rebels

Valley Inches Closer to Second Place
By TYLER COX, Ottawa Valley Raiders Fastball Club

OTTAWA—The Valley Raiders shutout the Orléans Midget Rebels 4-0 last night at the RA Centre. With four games remaining in Valley’s schedule, they are now three points back of Orléans for second place.

STRONG PITCHING AND DEFENCE
Ryan Cox pitched seven shutout innings for Valley. He recorded 10 strikeouts, allowed no walks, and surrendered 6 scattered hits. Valley’s strong pitching was complimented by strong defense. A defensive highlight came in the top of the seventh inning when Valley righfielder Lukas Kamps threw out a runner at home on a tag-up. Gary Cavanagh talked about the significance of Kamps’ clutch double play.

“A play like changes the game. It gives a tiring pitcher the confidence to finish the game.”

MANY K’S FOR HARGROVE
Orléans started their ace Chad Hargrove. He pitched a strong complete game. In six innings he recorded 12 strikeouts out of a possible 18 outs. Nevertheless, Valley won Wednesday’s battle.

Designated player Brett Dugan led off in the first inning with a walk. Leftfielder Stephane Vinette then reached base on an error after bunting. First baseman Will Mood then doubled to score both runners. Derek Bergeron reached base in the fifth inning on a dropped bunt. Bergeron then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Bergeron then scored from second on a single by Vinette. Vinette then stole second base. Mood then earned his third RBI of the night when his single scored Vinette from second. Vinette’s second crossing of the plate put Valley up 4-0. Catcher Rich Antunes was jubilant after the game.

“That was our best game of the season.”

Valley’s next game is Monday night at 6:30 against C.B.U. Publishing. Allegedly, C.B.U. has acquired former Trent Hills Titans pitcher Andrew Bull. He brings welcomed support to C.B.U. ace Derick Bulley.