I4C Victory / Team Easton series preview

The expansion Carp I4C Victory and defending champions Team Easton will plan in a GOFL best of five semi-final series. The schedule is yet to be determined but it is a good bet that these teams will start on Weds Sept 6.

Team Easton won the 2006 season series 2 games to 0, including a four point game. Here is how the two teams matched up this season:

May 24
Team Easton 6 Carp 0 in Stittsville
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box052406_3.htm
Dan Konkle was perfect over this five inning mercy rule game. Duane Bromley took the loss for Carp. Konkle and Al Read had homers for Team Easton.

Aug 3
Team Easton 2 Carp 0 in Carp
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box080306.htm
http://fitzroyfastball.blogspot.com/2006/08/easton-2-i4c-0-in-four-point-game.html
Dan Konkle again got the win, this time throwing a one-hitter with two walks and 14 strikeouts. Neil Cooke pitched very well taking the loss, allowing only four hits. Easton scored both runs in the first as Konkle and John Peck had RBIs. Shawn Houle had the only Carp hit of the year against Team Easton in league play.

Keep those hits coming

Got the hit count report - from June, when the blog came up, until today (Aug 31), a total of 18,692 views of the site. Not too bad - thanks for visiting and for all the folks that contribute stories.

Photos from the ToC in Kitchener

Some great photos by Maddy Flanagan are available on the web from the ToC.
http://www.maddysphotos.com/photos/fastball/2006/isc/ISCII/ISCII_CoverPage/iscii_2006_photos.htm

Micksburg fans, check out these "triptychs" of the Micksburg / Elmira game:
http://www.maddysphotos.com/photos/fastball/2006/isc/ISCII/triptychs/iscii_2006_triptych1.htm
http://www.maddysphotos.com/photos/fastball/2006/isc/ISCII/triptychs/iscii_2006_triptych2.htm

Lomor Printers looking forward to 2007 campaign

In an exclusive interview with fitzroyfastball, Tony Riches, pitcher/coach/player personnel director/money pit for Manotick Lomor Printers had these comments on the conclusion of the veteran team's season last night:

"It was a typical end to a frustrating season for us. Injuries and work commitments plagued us throughout the year.

We used the fourth place pitcher on our opening-day depth chart more than any other and it showed. Lyle Schell and Jason Smith combined to pitch in four regular season games and Trevor Lahey only recovered from a rib injury in time to join the team already down 1-0 in the playoff series.

Losing regulars Bobby Jack Hart, Reno Rushford and John Lindsey forced us into an 'open tryout' scenario for position players and we never really had a set lineup the entire season.

However I can't say enough about the players that worked their asses off right up until the last pitch and stayed focused and positive throughout. Veterans like Coxie [Don Cox], Calvin [Medynski], Lindsay [Medynski] and Pudge [Mike Branchaud] understand that this was a rebuilding year and see the positives that occasionally showed.

The additions of Joe Allan, Steve Walman, Trevor Power and Steve Edgerton are solid building blocks along with the other young players that contributed as well. The fact that shortstop Adam Bickell, just returning from a month-long back injury, missed the last game with shingles, of all things, just puts an exclamation point on this entire season.

I'm sure the other teams and managers in this league know this was a tough year for us and expect we'll be stronger next season.

Good luck to the remaining teams."

I4C Victory 8, Lomor Printers 4, Carp advances to semis against Team Easton

from Shawn Williams

Baby steps and a three-year plan. Carp I4C Victory pitcher and team sponsor, Neil Cooke, has a plan. Cooke likes planning things and having structure. So it was with the new team that he sponsored and entered this season in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League (GOFL). One of his goals was to have the team play .500 and it came close being one four-point game away from reaching that mark. The second goal was to win a playoff series. A fairly lofty goal given the more experienced teams in the GOFL and the fact that most of the players that Cooke and Carp Head Coach and General Manager, Shawn Williams had assembled had not had much experience playing at the Intermediate level.

So with Wednesday night’s 8-4 win over the Manotick Lomor Printers, the team achieved Cooke’s second goal. It was a big victory for a young team and a chance for the Victory to establish itself as a legitimate Intermediate level team in Eastern Ontario.

Carp got things rolling early in the top of the second inning of the contest scoring three runs. Carp starting pitcher, 19-year-old, Chad Hargrove singled and advanced to second when Brooks Paziuk reached on an error. Duane Bromley singled scoring Hargrove and moving Paziuk to third. Trevor Wood then reached first on an infield single on a play where Manotick strenuously argued that Wood was out and meanwhile, Paziuk scored on the play. Carp continued to threaten when Mike Money doubled scoring Bromley and moving Wood to third. Shawn Houle then walked to load the bases with one out. Manotick starter Trevor Lahey (1-1) pitching his third game in three nights, induced Kevin McGuire to pop up to short and then Matt McNish grounded out to first to end the threat.

In the third inning, Hargrove hit a one out single and was sacrificed to second on a bunt by Paziuk. With two out, Bromley hit a fly ball to right field that was misplayed allowing Hargrove to score from second.

In the fourth inning, the Victory busted out with four more runs. Money lead off with a single and advanced to second when normally reliable Manotick centerfielder Don Cox, the hero from Monday night’s game, bobbled the ball allowing Money to advance to second. Houle then hit an infield single and was injured on the play when the throw to first hit him high in the shoulder. Money scored from second on the play. Houle lay on the ground for several minutes before deciding to stay in the game, but only temporarily. McGuire then hit a blast to right centrefield that carried the fence driving in two more runs. With one out, Pete Pettit doubled and Hargrove walked. Both runners advanced on a passed ball and Pettit scored on a Bromley single completing the scoring for Carp. Houle was replaced in the bottom of the fourth inning by Russ Mitchell with Mitchell going to second and Pettit moving behind the plate to take over the catching duties.

Down 8-0, the veteran Printers team would not quit and mounted a comeback. Manotick’s first run came in the bottom of the fourth when with two out, Calvin Medynski reached on an error by Paziuk. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and then Trevor Power walked putting runners at first and second. Steve Edgerton then singled to drive in Medynski.

In the fifth inning for Manotick, Joe Allan hit a one out single and moved to second on a passed ball followed by a walk to Cox. At that point, Williams decided it was time for a change and brought in Cooke (1-1) to relieve Hargrove (1-0). Cooke immediately got Mike Branchaud, one of the most feared hitters in the GOFL, to hit a towering fly ball to short. Steve Wallman then singled scoring Allan and moving Cox to third. Wallman moved to second on a passed ball and then Medynski, who had driven in three runs on Monday night, hit a double driving in two more runs. But that was it for Manotick as Cooke shut the door the rest of the way.

Offensively on the night for Carp, Houle was 3-4 with a run scored, McGuire was 2-4 with a home run, 2 RBI’s and a run scored, Money was 2-3 with a walk, RBI and run scored, Hargrove was 2-3 with two runs scored and Bromley was 2-4 with 2 RBI’s and a run scored.

For Manotick, Allan was 1-2 with a run scored and two walks, Steve Edgerton was 2-3 with and RBI and Medynski was 1-4 with 2 RBI’s and a run scored.

On the mound for Carp, Hargrove threw 4 1/3 innings giving up two earned runs on two hits, striking out eight and walking three. In relief, Cooke threw 2 2/3 innings and gave up one earned run on four hits, he struck out five and walked one. Carp committed two errors and Manotick stranded eight runners.

For Manotick, Lahey threw a complete game, giving up seven earned runs on 11 hits, he struck out six and walked three. Manotick made four errors and Carp left eight runners on base.

Carp I4C Victory takes the best of three semi-final series 2-1 and advances to the semi-finals where they will meet the defending GOFL league champions, Kanata Team Easton. As of Thursday, August 31st, dates and times for that series are still being determined. Please check the GOFL website, http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/GOFL.htm and the I4C Victory website, www.i4cvictory.com for further updates on dates, times and locations.

Ottawa Valley Raiders win 4th RA League title in a row

OTTAWA—Valley Raiders defeated the Quyon Junior Flyers 4-3 in Game 3 in the best-of-three series last night, winning the 2006 RA Centre fastball championship. Valley has now won four consecutive titles.

FEATHERSTONE GOES DISTANCE
Darren Featherstone got his third-straight start for Valley. He pitched seven complete innings, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks. He racked up an impressive 11 strikeouts. Quyon scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning and one run in the bottom of the seventh. Quyon threatened at various points throughout the game, but Featherstone persevered.

Valley pitcher Ryan Cox, who was undefeated in the first two rounds of the playoffs, was prepared to throw in relief of Featherstone. But by the sixth or seventh inning it was clear that Featherstone would go the distance. Valley’s elder statesman Gary Cavanagh explained the situation.

“With a one run lead [Featherstone] allowed two runners in the seventh. But at that point we weren’t going to pull him. It was his game to win or lose.”

VALLEY SCRAPES FOR RUNS
Valley’s first two runs came in the second inning Valley second baseman Dave Millette reached base on a walk. Quyon’s first baseman Kenny Fleck then made a great diving catch on a popped-up sacrifice bunt attempt by Tyler Cox. Featherstone then picked up the slack for Valley by hitting a two-run homerun to centerfield off of Quyon’s Matt Greer.

Valley added one run in the fourth inning when Greer surrendered a walk to Valley right fielder Lukas Kamps. Valley’s left fielder Stéphane Vinette then put down a sacrifice bunt. On the play, a heads-up Kamps advanced to an unoccupied third base. Quyon then rushed a throw that evaded Quyon’s third baseman who was scrambling back to the bag. Kamps was able to score on the play.

Valley’s fourth run came in the in the fifth inning when Rich Antunes doubled down the leftfield line. A Greer pitch then struck Chad Milne. Antunes then came around to score on an RBI single by Kamps.

Greer took the loss for Quyon, despite pitching a very strong game and series. On Wednesday he gave up 8 hits, walked 3, and hit one batter. He struck out four Valley batters. Valley’s attack was well balanced as all but one Valley Raider had a hit.



POST-GAME FESTIVITIES
After losing all regular season games to Quyon, Valley was ecstatic to beat Quyon in the finals. Valley gathered for a championship photo behind home plate. One anonymous Valley veteran described the experience.

“Winning is a lot like sex. It’s great and you never want it to end.”

After the game, both Quyon and Valley enjoyed cold beers on the patio of the SunDeck bar. Valley owner Shawn Moher proposed a toast to recognize Quyon’s great season.

“Let’s hear it for the Quyon boys. They had a hell of a season.”

Well said, Shawn.

Valley is travelling to North Fredericksburg this weekend to compete in the OASA B/C men’s provincials.

Stittsville takes game 1 of semi-final 6-1 over WC Electric

Stittsville defeated WC Electric 6-1 to open the best-of-five GOFL semi-final series in Stittsville on Wednesday night.

Dan Bradley had the complete game win for Stittsville, throwing a three hitter and showing excellent control by walking none and striking out eleven.

Bud Hanlon had the start for Fitzroy and went two innings before giving way to Brad Porter. Porter threw into the sixth inning, before Hanlon re-entered when Porter began to have shoulder trouble. Hanlon threw a total of 2 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs, five hits, walking one and striking out three. Porter threw 3 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs, four hits, walking two and striking out seven.

Dan Jessiman and Dan Preston did most of the damage with five of the six Stittsville RBIs and six of the nine hits.

Stittsville struck early with three runs in the first, with a two run homer by Dan Jessiman and and an RBI single by Dan Preston.

In the third, a Dan Jessiman double followed by a Dan Preston single scored another run to put the 56ers up 4-0.

WC Electric responded with a Neil Murphy solo home run in the top of the fifth.

But Stittsville added another run in the bottom of the fifth as Dan Jessiman hit a single, advanced to second on an error and was subsequently brought in on yet another Dan Preston single.

The 56ers added an insurance run in the sixth when Scott Jessiman drove in Scott Parsons to cap the scoring at 6-1.

Michael Cavanagh made a couple of excellent catches at shortstop for Fitzroy in a losing effort.

Game two goes after the long weekend on Tuesday September 5th in Fitzroy at 8:30PM.

http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box083006.htm

Snappers win 8-5, Valley Junior series all tied up at 2 games each.

by Shawn Laframboise

The Shawville Jr Snappers hosted the Micksburg Jr Twins Tuesday night in a must win game for Shawville. The Snappers went down 2 - 0 early but eventually came back to tie it up at 3. Micksburg went up 4 - 3 and then changed pitchers, bringing in Joran Graham. The Snappers had a big 3-run 4th inning and didn't look back, winning the game 8 - 5.

Graham had a quieter, but still solid, game at the plate this time going 1 - 2 with two walks. Matt Romain also had a sold game making a few good plays at second and getting it done at the plate posting a couple hits and a couple walks as well.

For Shawville, the hitting was led by Wilbur Mclean going 3 - 3 with a couple RBI and a few stolen bases, including stealing home for one of the Shawville insurance runs. Dennis McCleary also had a strong night at the plate going 2 - 3 with a couple RBI, and stealing home for the winning run.

Game 5 in this best-of-five series will be held in Micksburg Thursday at 7:00 as part of a double-header with the Micksburg Twins and Pontiac Royals.

Playoff games in the area tonight and tomorrow

Lots of playoff action tonight (Weds Aug 30) and tomorrow in local fastball leagues.

Game 3 of the best-of-three quarter-final between Manotick Lomor Printers and Carp I4C Victory in the GOFL is tonight at 9PM in Manotick. The winning team moves on to face Team Easton in the semi-finals.

Game 1 of the best-of-five semi-final between Stittsville 56ers and Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric in the GOFL is tonight at 8:30PM in Stittsville.

Game 3 of the best-of-three final in the RA League is tonight at the RA Centre between Quyon Flyers and Ottawa Valley Raiders. Raiders are looking for their fourth straight RA title. If the Flyers win tonight, look out Shawville Fair this weekend, I'm sure they will be on tour to celebrate. Actually, who's kidding who, they'll be on a tear at the Fair anyway. Good luck to both teams. Not sure of game time, feel free to "comment" on that.

The UOVMFL finals series between Pontiac Royals and Micksburg Twins gets started up Thursday in Micksburg at 8:30PM in the first game of the best-of-seven valley final.

The deciding game in the McNab/Braeside Junior Men's Fastball finals will also be held in Micksburg as part of a doubleheader on Thursday. Micksburg Junior Twins will face the Shawville Junior Snappers in the fifth and deciding game of the best-of-five series.

A bit of an update from the Loughborough League in the Kingston area - North Fred Kings defeated the Napanee Junior Express to advance the finals. They area awaiting the winner of the best-of-five semi-final between the Kingston Cowboys and Sydenham Amey's Drilling, which the Cowboys lead 2-1. They play tonight (Weds) in Sydenham at 8:30PM.

Blackburn, Valley and Blitz to compete at OASA provincials in North Fred

Three local teams will be participating over the long weekend in the nine-team OASA Men's B/C intermediate provincials: Blackburn Bombers, Ottawa Valley Raiders and Ottawa Blitz.

Some schedule info here.
http://www.mail-archive.com/alsfastball%40fastpitchwest.com/msg01572.html

Blackburn has to play back to back games on Friday night.
And it looks like the Blitz and the Bombers get to drive all the way down there to play each other on Friday night! An interesting draw to say the least. Good luck to all teams.

Manotick defeats Carp 5-1

from Shawn Williams
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box082806.htm

Sometimes you’re just forgetful and then hopefully you just forget. With a 1-0 lead in its series with the Manotick Lomor Printers going into Monday night’s game, Carp I4C Victory Head Coach and General Manager, Shawn Williams spoke to the players before the game about the need to execute and to treat the game like any other. The words were somehow forgotten just a few minutes later in the top of the first inning and Williams hopes that the players just forget about the game now and put it behind them after a 5-1 loss to the Printers Monday night at the Carp Fairgrounds.

The game started out with Carp just not being sharp in the top of the 1st inning. Joe Allan lead off for Manotick and fouled off several pitches before striking out for the first out of the game. That was followed by a Donny Cox line drive solo home run that just cleared the left field fence. Then things really started to unravel for the Victory. First baseman Duane Bromley dropped a routine pop up off of the bat of Mike Branchaud. Then second baseman Russ Mitchell mishandled a ground ball from Steve Wallman. By the time Mitchell recovered he had plenty of time to get Branchaud at second who has been hampered by a leg injury and was not running at full speed however, on the throw to second, short stop Kevin McGuire dropped the ball and both runners were safe. However McGuire made that up on the next play when Adam Bickell hit a sharp grounder into the hole and McGuire dove to stop the ball and threw out Branchaud at third. Calvin Medynski then struck out looking to end the inning.

Just as Manotick had responded in the bottom of the 1st in Game 1, Carp did the same last night but came up empty. Shawn Houle lead off with a single followed by a Trevor Wood single. Kevin McGuire hit into a fielder’s choice erasing Houle at third. With runner at first and second, Matt McNish singled to load the bases. Then on a passed ball, Wood took off for home and was called out at the plate on a very close call. Said Williams, “I thought Trevor was there. Trevor thought he has scored and Tim Power thought he was there. Calls like that can really change the complexion of a game. That would have tied the score and put runners at second and third with one out. There’s nothing we can do about it now but I sure wasn’t happy at the time. Manotick escaped the first with no damage done.

In the bottom of the second, Carp responded with a run of its own when Chad Hargrove walked and advanced to second on a passed ball and then scored on an Eric Rosenquist single.

The real damage came to Carp in the top of the third. After Allan grounded out and Cox flied out, Branchaud and Wallman hit back to back singles. Then after getting ahead of Bickell, 0-2, Carp started Neil Cooke (1-1) walked him bringing Calvin Medynski to the plate. Medynski responded with a triple driving in all three Manotick runners and making the score 4-1. Cox hit his second solo home run in the top of the fourth. A high towering shot that struck the foul pole in right field and that was all the scoring in the game making it a 5-1 Manotick final.

On the mound for Manotick, Trevor Lahey (1-0) pitched a complete game and gave up one earned run on seven hits, struck out nine and walked four. There were no Manotick errors. Carp left 10 men on base.

For Carp, Cooke pitched five innings and gave up five earned runs on six hits, struck out six and walked two. Hargrove relieved Cooke in the sixth inning and gave up no runs on one hit, struck out four and walked none. It was a n excellent debut in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League for the young right hander. Carp committed two errors and Manotick stranded five runners on the night.

For Manotick, Cox was 2-4 with two home runs, 2 RBI’s and two runs scored. Wallman was 3-3 with a run scored and reached base safely in all four plate appearances. Calvin Medynski was 1-3 with 3 RBI’s.

For Carp, Wood was 2-3 with a walk, Houle was 2-4 and Hargrove was 0-1 with two walks and a run scored. Rosenquist went 1-2 with the only RBI for Carp on the night.

The next game in the series is the deciding game and will be played in Manotick on Wednesday night starting at 9:00 PM. Please note the change from the original start time of 8:00 PM. Admission to all games is free.

Following Wednesday’s game, Carp will head to Elkland, PA for the long weekend to play in the 54th Annual Elkland Softball Association Tournament. The team has added pitcher, Dan Bradley from the Stittsville 56ers as well as 19 year-old Chad Hargrove of the Orleans Rebels Midgets. Tony Riches of the Manotick Lomor Printers is also expected to join the team in Elkland to assist with some of the coaching duties. At present, the Victory are still trying to add one or two more players for the tournament.

Valley wins 4-3, RA Final Series tied at 1-1

from Shawn Laframboise

Game two in the RA league finals took place last night with Valley jumping out to a great start in an effort to make a statement on why they're still very much alive.

Darren Featherstone got his second straight start and retired the first three batters of the game, striking out two. Matt Greer got his second straight start and didn't fair out so well.

After surrendering a double and an RBI single to the first two Valley batters, Greer served up a two run homer to Chad Milne that left the park in straight away center.

The score remained 3 - 0 until the sixth inning with Greer settling down and the Flyers threatening every inning but were unable to cash in the runners in scoring position.

Dennis McCleary finally got to Featherstone as he got the Flyers on the scoreboard with a solo homerun. Matt Greer then came to the plate and knocked a double to center field. Featherstone retired McCord however Joe McCleary cashed in the second Flyer run, bringing the score to 3 - 2. After reaching second base (for some reason) McCleary was feeling the wheels and attempted to steal third, but was thrown out for the second out of the inning.

Greer got out of the bottom of the sixth and the Flyers continued to threaten in the top of the seventh. Shawn Laframboise led off with a walk, and was advanced to second on a Jordan Kearns bunt. Luke Young was then retired for the second out, and Valley was one out away from tying the series. This brought up Dennis McCleary and he continued to swing a hot bat, smashing a triple to the gap in right-center. McCleary had to remain at third after he fell flat on his face in between second and third base. Greer was then thrown out at first by Milne for the third out.

Greer struck out Tyler Cox for the first out of the seventh. Dave Millette reached first on a walk after a very questionable call would've have been strike three but ended up giving the Valley second basemen the free pass. Shawn Moher then came into the game to pinch hit for Roy Black but Greer got him out on strikes as well. After stealing second base, the winning run was cashed in by Brett Dugan with a ground ball that was misplaced by the Flyers second baseman.

Game three will take place on Wednesday night.

Eganville defeats Fitzroy in Junior League "B" championship

from Jonathan Thomas:

Game 1: Eganville Youngblood 8 - Fitzroy Juniors 7
Game 2: Fitzroy Juniors 6 - Eganville Youngblood 4
Game 3: Eganville Youngblood 15 - Fitzroy Juniors 5 (5 inning mercy)

Eganville wins B Championship in best of 3 series 2-1.

In the final game, Eganville had two-run homeruns from Paul Griffith, Zach Plotz, and Jordan Fleurie. Fleurie pitched the complete game for Eganville. Every team in the league receives three individual player awards at the end of the season.

For Eganville:

Most Valuable - Paul Griffith / Jonathan Thomas
Most Sportsmanlike - Brent Eckford
Most Improved - Luke O'Neill

Ball-a-rama washed out

Unfortunately with all the rain, Ball-a-rama in Chapeau got washed out on Sunday. They will try again next year!

Micksburg Juniors lead junior league finals

Micksburg Juniors are leading the Shawville Junior Snappers 2 games to 1 in the McNab/Braeside junior fastball league finals.

Micksburg beat Shawville 8-6 last night in Shawville prior to the UOVMFL playoff game. Joran Graham paced the Micksburg team with three home runs.

Fitzroy Harbour is currently taking on Eganville in the "consolation" final series. Anyone with details in that, feel free to add a comment or drop me an email with info on that series.

McNab is the fifth team in the league and did not make the playoffs.

The Micksburg Juniors will be playing the Quyon Flyers Juniors at Ball-a-rama in Chapeau in the first game at 11:30.

Pontiac over Shawville 6-1, Royals to meet Micksburg in UOVMFL finals

from Shawn Laframboise

The Pontiac Royals advanced to the UOVMFL finals with their win over the Shawville Athletics last night. Todd Hearty (1 - 1) got the loss, pitching the complete game. Lenny Burger toed and tapped the rubber for the Royals for the second game in three nights. Burger went seven strong allowing only one run which was cashed in by the Shawville RBI specialist Al Kuehl in the seventh inning.

The Royals capitalized on a few early Shawville errors to jump out to a quick lead. In the second inning, Lenny Burger led off with a single. On the ensuing bunt, the ball was overthrown to first, advancing Burger to third. He then scored on a Travis Dorzek ground ball. Pontiac added a couple more runs in the third to jump out to a 3 - 0 lead.

The Royals added two more in the fifth to increase the lead to 5 - 0. Burger continued to throw well mowing down the Shawville batters one after another. Manager Tim Ferrigan made sure to keep his team in the game, stressing the need for another insurance run in the top of the seventh, because 5 can never be considered enough.

After a Shawn Laframboise base hit up the middle, he advanced to second on a passed ball, and to third by way of a ground out from Dorzek. Matt "Pommer" Romain came through with an RBI single to put the score at 6 - 0. Matt Greer crushed a Todd Hearty offering that was high and deep to left, however a valiant effor by Jeff Drisner to scale the fence and make the grab saved two runs, and kept the deficit at 6 for the A's.

In the bottom of the seventh, the A's threatened right away with Darron Barr reaching base on an error. Jeff Tanguay then walked to put runners on first and second, with no out. A passed ball advanced Barr and Tanguay to third and second respectively. Jamie Armstrong brought his stick to the plate next, and just missed as he crushed a high fly ball to center field that would've still had a chance if it weren't for the wind blowing in. With the runners thinking it was gone, they didn't tag up and no runs scored. Kuehl came up next, and didn't disappoint his teammates, as he broke the A's scoreless streak that was at 13 innings, with an RBI groundout to first base.

In a short interview after the game, I asked Kuehl if he's been doing anything special with his stance to improve his hitting and he replied, "No nothing, just doing my job, cashing in runs as usual". Burger then proceeded to fan Drisner to end the game, and the series.

The Royals will now take on the Micksburg Twins for the UOVMFL championship. Schedule to be announced.

Stittsville / WC Electric series preview

Stittsville 56ers and Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric will face off in a GOFL best of five semi-final series again this year. Last year when the teams met up in the semis, Stittsville swept the 'Trics 3 games straight with Dan Bradley getting all the wins.

Game 1 of the 2006 Semi-Finals series will be Weds Aug 31 at 8:30PM in Stittsville. Subsequent games to be determined.

Stittsville won the 2006 season series 2 games to 1. Here is how the two teams matched up this season:

May 1o (season opener)
Stittsville 3 WC Electric 1 in Fitzroy Harbour
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box051006.htm
Dan Bradley had the three hitter to win the game. Brad Porter took the loss with relief from Bud Hanlon. Darren Featherstone was 2-3 with 2RBIs in this one. Dan Jessiman had the other RBI for Stittsville. Jon Daley had the lone RBI for Fitzroy.

June 21
WC Electric 2 Stittsville 0 in Fitzroy Harbour
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box062106.htmBud Hanlon scattered six hits to get the shutout complete game victory. Dan Bradley threw a three hitter but was the hard luck loser. This was a well played quick game taking just under an hour. Fitzroy clean up hitter Shawn Rebertz executed a perfect squeeze bunt to score the game winning RBI. Adam Brown added an insurance RBI in the sixth to complete the scoring. Ryan Bond was 2-3 in this game for Stittsville.

July 5
Stittsville 2 WC Electric 0 in Stittsville
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box070506.htm
Dan Bradley threw a five hit shutout with 12Ks on the night to get the win. Brad Porter took the loss with Bud Hanlon throwing in relief. Darren Featherstone was the offensive force for Stittsville, going 3 for 3 at the plate, driving in both Stittsville runs. Dan Jessiman scored both runs for Stittsville. Michael Cavanagh had two hits for the Electric.

Some Trics Pix from the ToC

A few good pictures from the Tournament of Champions in Kitchener. If anyone has phots they want to share, just let me know. These photos courtesy of Brad Porter's stepmom Colleen.

Team Photo at Budd Park:

Nice pic of the Opening Ceremonies at Budd Park: Todd Clouthier (aka Claude Touche) legs out a bunt against Thomson, IL:
Brad Porter winds and fires while Trevor Barton looks on from second base:
A rare Newfie Moose sighting at Moose Winewski's in Kitchener, which also was the site for an impromptu GOFL "league meeting":

Don't forget Ball-a-rama Sunday August 27 in Chapeau, QC

Get yourself to Ball-a-rama this Sunday - it's going to be a good event!

Chapeau will be the place to be for fastball fans on Sunday August 27 as the Upper Pontiac town hosts "Ball-a-rama 2006". This event, which was also held in 2005, is being organized by Lenny Burger, the toe-tapping lefty who happens to reside near"Hat".

Here are the details from the promo poster:

Upper Pontiac Sports Complex and Len Burger present:
Chapeau Ball-a-rama
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Lions Club breakfast starting at 10:00 am

FEATURING:

Quyon Junior Flyers vs Valley Midget Allstars (11:30 – 1:30 p.m.)

Pontiac Royals vs Fitzroy Harbour (1:30 – 3:30 p.m.)

MAIN EVENT (3:30 – 5:30 p.m.)

**Micksburg Twins - ISC II World Ranked 17th
vs
**Ottawa Team Easton – ISC II World Ranked 5th

Fitzroy Harbour, Micksburg Twins and Ottawa Team Easton all qualified for the 2006 ISC World Fastball Tournament August 12-19 in Kitchener, Ontario.

Quyon Junior Flyers qualified for the 2006 Junior Canadians August 7-14 in St-Leonard, Quebec and Joran Graham, pitcher for the Valley Midget Allstars, will be attending the Midget Nationals August 7-14 in Saskatchewan.

Test your batting skills in the home run derby after the games!

**Proceeds to Arena, Lions Club, and a local charity**

For more information call Brian Adam at 819-689-5174 or Len Burger at 819-689-2905

Carp I4C Victory Win First Ever Playoff Game in Greater Ottawa Fastball League

from Shawn Williams

On a chilly night, things warmed up when the Carp I4C Victory bats caught fire. In the expansion team’s first foray into a playoff game in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League (GOFL), the team responded with a big 14-3 win over the Manotick Lomor Printers. Carp leads the best of three quarter final series 1-0. Game two is set for Carp at 8:30 PM on Monday, August 28th.

Winning pitcher Neil Cooke (1-0) took to the rubber for Carp while Tony Riches (0-1) had the loss for Manotick with relief from Mike Branchaud and Jeff Hyndman.

Carp jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first with a lead off walk to Mike Money followed by a Shawn Houle single advancing Money to third. Kevin McGuire executed a squeeze scoring Carp’s first run of the game and moving Houle to second. Matt McNish then hit a double to score Houle followed by a Brooks Paziuk single scoring McNish and making the score 3-0 before Manotick came to bat.

However, Manotick was not going to let the upstart Victory team off the hook that easy and responded with three runs of its own in the bottom of the 1st. Joe Allan lead off with a walk followed by a Donny Cox single moving Allan to third. Manotick scored its first run on a passed ball with Allan scoring on a close play at the plate and Cox moving to second. Steve Wallman drew a one out walk and both he and Cox moved up on another passed ball. With runners on second and third, Adam Bickell stroked a single, scoring Cox and Wallman and tying the game. Then for the second time this year, Carp was involved in an odd, two out play. With Bickell at first, Calvin Medynski grounded out second to first and as Bickell rounded second base he thought it was the third out of the inning and started to jog slowly to the Manotick bench. An errant throw form Carp 1st baseman, Duane Bromley got away from 3rd baseman Paziuk and Bickell ended up safe at third. Cooke then struck out Hyndman to end any further threat and the game was tied 3-3 after one.

Carp scored five more runs in the second sending nine batters to the plate. After back to back singles by Trevor Wood and Russ Mitchell, lead off hitter Money stroked a triple to the gap driving in two more runs. Shawn Houle then popped out just up the first base line in foul territory but with nobody covering home, Money took off for home and scored but was accidentally spiked on the play and was forced to leave the game. Money went to hospital where he received nine stitches both inside on his calf muscle and on the outside of his leg. He is expected to miss at least a week. McGuire and McNish hit back to back singles and following two wild pitches, McGuite scored and McNish moved to third and eventually scored on a Pete Pettit double. Carp scored one more in the third on an Eric Rosenquist walk followed by a Houle triple. Rosenquist had replaced the injured Money. Carp scored four more in the fourth highlighted by a McNish solo home run and one more in the sixth. In a first for Carp, all 10 players who made a plate appearance scored at least one run.

Despite Carp having a mercy situation of having a six run lead after five innings, by league rule, Manotick chose to exercise its option to continue to play. Through scheduling and other circumstances, many Manotick players had not played in three weeks and this provided the Printers additional at bats going into game two of the series. Said Carp Head Coach and General Manager, Shawn Williams, “Hey the rule is there and it is Manotick’s right to use it. They had not played for some time and I respect their right to use the rule to allow their guys additional at bats. I might have done the same thing if we were in the same situation and we had not played in three weeks.”

Offensively for Carp, McNish was a triple short of hitting for the cycle going 3-5 with 2 RBI’s and three runs scored, Houle was 3-5 with 2 RBI’s and a run scored, Wood was 2-4 with 2 runs scored, Russ Mitchell was 2-4 with a run scored and Pettit was 2-5 with two doubles, 2 RBI’s and a run scored.

For Manotick, Bickell was 1-3 with 2 RBI’s and Cox was 1-3 with a run scored.

On the mound, Cooke gave up three earned runs on three hits, he walked two and struck out 10. There was one Carp error. Combined, the three Manotick pitchers gave up 14 runs, all earned, on 18 hits, they walked four, there was one hit batter and they struck out six. There was one Manotick error.

The next game in this series is Monday, August 28th at 8:30 PM in Carp. Admission to all games is free.

Quyon take game one of RA Final 5-4 in 8 innings

from Shawn Laframboise

The Quyon Flyers and Valley Raiders squared off in game one of the RA league finals last night. Darren Featherstone got the start for Valley and Matt Greer got the nod for the Flyers. The Flyers were undefeated against Valley during league play, however they were without Featherstone in each of those outings. Coming off of a big game Monday night against Orleans, Featherstone kept his groove going, retiring the first ten Quyon batters. Greer went the distance for the Flyers allowing 4 runs.

Valley took an early lead when Greer walked a batter and gave up a two-run bomb to Stephane Vinette. Valley pushed one more run across the plate and held a 3-0 lead into the sixth inning when the Flyers' bats finally showed a little bit of life.

Featherstone had been pitching a gem when Cooney Greer finally got a hit for Q-town. Greer stole second and later scored on a Luke Young bloop to right field that was misplayed, moving Hammer Young all the way to third. Featherstone was pulled after allowing just two runs. He was replaced by Gord Flannery who proceeded to get the third out and end the threat.

The Raiders responded with another run of their own pushing the score to 4 - 2 heading into the bottom of the seventh.

Steve McCord led off for the Flyers with a base hit up the middle. Nick 'Albert' Armitage followed that up with a hit of his own, putting runners on the corners with none out. Ben Younge drove in the Flyers' first run of the inning with the most exciting play in baseball, the sac fly. Flannery followed up that pop-out with the second out of the inning, getting Kenny Fleck to ground out, however Armitage advanced to second on the play. Valley was one out away from winning game one of the finals but Cooney Greer had other thoughts. The number 9 hitter that night, Greer slammed a triple to the gap in right - center to tie the game up at 4.

Starting with a runner on second in the eighth, Valley got the bunt down, advancing Ryan Cox to third. This brought up the top of the order with Chad Milne, and he hit a hard chopper to second base. With a slow jump on third, and the always dangerous arm on Armitage, Cox was unable to score on the play giving the Flyers their second out. Cooney then induced Rich Antunes to ground out to end the Valley inning with no runs scored.

The bottom of the eighth started with Hammer Young on second and Jordan Kearns at the plate. After failing to get the bunt down on the first two pitches, Kearns came through under pressure with a good bunt on the third strike. Dennis McCleary followed this up with a walk-off bloop single to right field to win the game for the Flyers.

Game 2 will take place on Monday night.

WC Electric defeats Blitz 15-5

In a wild game that saw six different pitchers, WC Electric prevailed to beat the Ottawa Blitz 15-5 in six innings to take the GOFL quarterfinal series 2 games to none.

Brad Porter had the win, allowing four earned runs over 4 1/3 on seven hits with two strikeouts. Bud Hanlon finished the fifth inning and allowed one earned run on three hits and struck out two. Steve Cavanagh threw the final inning, walking one and allowing no hits.

Shannon Borho took the loss for the Blitz, allowing six runs (five earned) on four hits, striking out two over 1 1/3. Derrick Bulley threw in relief for 4 1/3, allowing nine runs (five earned) on eleven hits. Jim Blakely threw to one batter to get the final out in the sixth.

Michael Cavanagh scored in the first for WC Electric on a Troy Wilson sacrifice fly. WC Electric scored five more in the second on four doubles and a single as Steve Johnson, Steve Cavanagh, Jon Daley and Wilson collected RBIs.

The Blitz responded with a run in the fourth on a Scott Dumouchel double which scored Borho to make it a 6-1 game. The home side made things very interesting by scoring four in the fifth to make it a one run game. Ron Hrycak had a two RBI single, Borho had an RBI single and Marty Soucy also had an RBI.

After an inspirational speech by Michael Cavanagh, WC Electric exploded for nine runs in the sixth inning to put the game out of reach. Wilson added another two RBIs, Todd Clouthier had an RBI, Jason Armstrong had two RBIs, and Jon Daley had 2RBIs.

With the win, WC Electric advances to play in a best of five semi final series against Stittsville 56ers – game times TBD.

http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box082306.htm

Pontiac leads UOVMFL semifinal 2-1

from Shawn Laframboise

Pontiac over Shawville 6-0 in Men's Play
Valley Junior final tied at 1 between Shawville and Micksburg

Game three in the first round of UOVMFL play went down in Shawville Tuesday night as the Royals ousted the Athletics 6 - 0 to take a 2 - 1 lead in the best of five series.

Lenny Burger had the win for Pontiac throwing six innings of shut-out ball. Matt Greer came on in the seventh in relief to close out the game. Jon Storie took the loss for Shawville, throwing all seven innings.

The Royals got to Storie right away, scoring four runs in the first inning. Joe McCleary, in his newly defined lead off spot, had a hot stick going 3 / 4 and scoring the games first (and winning run). The Royals have a history of blowing big leads and knew that no lead was safe coming into the dreaded seventh inning that has plagued them so many times in the past. In an effort to save some gas for Thursday night's match-up, Burger handed the ball to Cooney to close out the deal. After loading up the bases right away, Greer buckled down and retired the next three batters to preserve the victory.

The Royals will look to close out the series Thursday, as part of a rare Fastball double-header in Shawville. The Royals vs Athletics game is scheduled for 8:30, following a game that sees the Shawville Jr Snappers take on the Micksburg Jr Twins at 7:00. The first game of the night is game 3 (also best-of-five) of the finals in the McNab junior league and it is currently tied at one game apiece.

Carp goes 3-1 at Newboro Tournament

from Shawn Williams

Carp I4C Victory goes 3-1 at 36th Annual Newboro Tournament.

It was a solid outing for the first year Carp I4C Victory team as it went 3-1 in the 36th Annual Newboro Tournament this past weekend. The Victory swept its three preliminary round robin games by a combined score of 19-3 with several players swinging a hot bat over the weekend. The offensive highlight of the weekend came in Carp’s third game of the tournament against host Newboro Rideau Insurance 56ers on Sunday morning when Carp right fielder, Matt McNish hit a mammoth blast to left field that only stopped when it hit the top branches of an 80’ maple tree that stood 50’ past the left field fence.

In its opening game of the tournament against fellow first year league rival, the Ottawa Blitz, the Carp bats were working on Saturday afternoon and so was the defense. Carp picked up 19-year-old Chad Hargrove to assist with the pitching duties on the weekend and the youngster did not disappoint both shutting out the Blitz and adding a home run of his own. Hargrove is fresh off a trip to the Canadian Midget Nationals where he went 3-1 for his Orleans Rebels Midget team and helped the team to a fourth place finish. Hargrove regularly plays for Orleans in the R.A. Open League as well as playing for the Valley Raiders of the R.A. Open league at selected tournaments. Earlier in the year, Hargrove faced Carp in the ISC II Qualifier while pitching for the Raiders and won the game over Carp in relief as well as hitting two home runs to help his own cause. The final score in the opening game versus the Blitz was 7-0 for I4C Victory.

In its second game of the day, veteran hurler, Neil Cooke took to the mound against the Bramalea Junior Lumberjacks. It was the second meeting of the year between the two teams having first met at the Ottawa Blitz Tournament in July. In that contest, Ottawa won via the mercy rule when Matt McNish hit a three-run home run in the sixth inning to end the game early. Carp was expecting Bramalea to battle and the boys from north west of Toronto did just that early on. However, the more experienced bats of the Victory coupled with the hard throwing Cooke led Carp to its second win of the day with a solid 6-2 win.

Carp’s final round robin game came Sunday morning against the host Newboro Rideau Insurance 56ers. Left-hander Duane Bromley toed the rubber for Carp I4C Victory and was in control the whole way giving up a solo shot in the top of the sixth inning but by that time the game was virtually over with Carp up by 5-1 score. Carp came back in the bottom of the sixth with the winning run as Eric Rosenquist singled driving in the sixth Carp run of the game to make the score 6-1 and the Victory won by way of the mercy rule of a five run lead after six complete innings.

With a record of 3-0 and first place in the “A” Division, Carp moved on to face the Sharbot Lake Merchants the second place finishers in the “B” Division. The Sharbot Lake line-up faced a number of impressive hitters including, Chris Switzer, Pat Severn, and the brother combination of Kevin and Lyle Brown. Kevin Brown is a former Senior Men’s pitcher who spent time with the Stittsville 56ers Senior Mens’ team in 2000 where Carp Head Coach and General Manager, Shawn Williams was an Assistant Coach. Said Williams, “Kevin has always been a good pitcher who keeps the ball low. He was never thought of in the same breath as Steve Price, Darren Zack or Korry Goreau when he pitched senior but I’ll tell you this, when he’s on, he can throw hard for three or four innings and keep you off the score sheet.” Brown did just that as he shut out Carp 2-0 in the semi-finals on a one hitter and then went on to lead the Merchants to a 7-1 win in the final against the Ottawa Blitz.

“I was really pleased with the way we hit the ball this weekend,” said Williams. “That shot by Matt McNish was one of the longest home runs I’ve ever seen hit. Pete McCarthy (Newboro’s 3rd baseman) turned to me and said, ‘If that tree wasn’t there, that ball may have hit the roof of the medical centre on Main Street.’” Williams was also pleased with the way the Victory played defense. “We picked up two young guys in Chad Hargrove and Matt Greer and they really helped us out since we were short a couple of guys. I appreciated their efforts and the team as a whole. We continue to make progress as a first year team.”

Carp’s next game is tonight, Wednesday, August, 23rd at 9:00 PM in Manotick as I4C Victory opens its league quarter final against the Manotick Lomor Printers. Carp returns home on Monday, August 28th at 8:30 PM when the Victory play Game 2 against Manotick. A third, “if necessary” game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 30th at 8:00 PM in Manotick. Admission to all games is free.

Pic from the ToC in Kitchener

Picture submitted by our Golden Lake correspondent Jonathan Thomas.

Corey Costello receives his MVP award at the ToC, as the champions Tavistock Merchants look on:

WC Electric blank Blitz 8-0 in Game 1

WC Electric blanked the Ottawa Blitz 8-0 in game one of their quarter final series in GOFL playoffs.

Bud Hanlon and Brad Porter combined for a no-hitter, with Hanlon getting the win. The Blitz had two base runners, both on WC Electric errors. Hanlon had four strikeouts in four innings, and Porter had seven Ks in three innings of work.

Jamie Blakely threw for the Blitz, allowing eleven hits in five innings, walking two and striking out five. Derrick Bulley threw one inning, allowing one hit and striking out two. The Blitz made four errors.

Michael Cavanagh had a bit night at the plate for Fitzroy, going 2 for 4 with two doubles aand driving in two. Troy Wilson was 2 for 3 with a walk and Steve Cavanagh was 2 for 3.

http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box082206.htm

The teams meet up tomorrow (Weds Aug 23) at 7PM in Manotick for game two, followed by game one of the Carp/Manotick series at 9PM

GOFL Playoff Preview

GOFL playoffs start tonight with WC Electric hosting the Ottawa Blitz in Fitzroy at 8:30PM. The veteran Lomor Printers squad hosting the new league member I4C Victory tomorrow in Manotick at 9PM. Both are best-of-three series.

Tues Aug 22 8:30 Blitz at Fitzroy
Weds Aug 23 7:00 WC Electric at Blitz in Manotick
Weds Aug 23 9:00 Carp at Manotick
Mon Aug 28 8:30 Manotick at Carp **corrected date**
Tues Aug 29 8:30 Blitz at Fitzroy (if necessary)
Weds Aug 30 8:00 Carp at Manotick (if necessary)

Here is some information about their regular season matchups.

Fitzroy won the season series 1-0-1 over the Blitz (with one game not contested as Blitz could not field a team).

May 24
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box052406.htm
WC Electric 5 Blitz 2 in Fitzroy Harbour
John Hayden had the Blitz's first ever homerun in this game. Mark Wright had a homer for WC Electric. Brad Porter had the pitching win and had relief from Mark Wright. Derrick Bulley took the loss for the Blitz.

July 19
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box071906_1.htm
WC Electric 1 Blitz 1 in Manotick
Jamie Blakely pitched a gem of a 4-hitter for the Blitz. Mark Wright and Bud Hanlon split pitching duties for WC Electric. Shannon Borho had the RBI for the Blitz, Troy Wilson had the RBI for Fitzroy.


Manotick won the season series 2-1 over Carp:

May 10 (opening day)
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box051006_2.htm
Lomor 6 I4C 5 in Manotick
Manotick score two in the bottom of the seventh for the victory. Rob Soubliere had the game winning single. Tony Riches had the pitching win and Duane Bromley took the loss in relief of Neil Cooke.

May 29
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box052906.htm
Lomor 7 I4C 4 in Carp
A big five run inning in the fourth helped Lomor to the win. Kevin McGuire had a homer for Carp. Tony Riches had the win and Neil Cooke took the loss.

July 16
http://ca.geocities.com/fitzroyfastball/box071606_3.htm
I4C 4 Lomor 2 in Fitzroy Harbour
Neil Cooke scattered four hits and struck out 13 in a complete game win at the league "Showcase" in Fitzroy Harbour. Lyle Schell took the loss for Lomor.

Valley vs. Quyon in RA Final Series

Valley Wins Semi-Finals Against Rebels - Valley Will Meet Quyon in the Finals
By Ottawa Valley Raiders Fastball Club

OTTAWA—The Valley Raiders beat the Orléans Midget Rebels 6-0 last night in Game 3 of the RA Centre’s best-of-three semi-final series. With the win, Valley advances to the finals to face the Quyon Junior Flyers.

‘FEATHERS’ EARNS SHUT-OUT
Freshly returning from the International Softball Congress II Tournament of Champions, Darren Featherstone pitched a complete game shutout for Valley. He allowed only one hit and surrendered only one walk. He struck out 17 Rebels.

VALLEY BATS TOO MUCH FOR REBELS
Valley jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Shortstop Chad Milne and catcher Rich Antunes reached base on walks. Lukas Kamps advanced the two runners with a sacrifice bunt. Centerfielder Will Mood followed with a three-run homerun.

Nick Bowman started the third inning on the mound for the Rebels, in relief of Chad Hargrove. Antunes led off the third inning with a walk, and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kamps. Antunes scored from second on an RBI double by Mood. Mood then scored on an RBI double by third baseman Tyler Cox, putting Valley ahead 5-0.

Valley added one more run in the fourth inning. Leftfielder Derek Bergeron reached by on a bunt single. A pitch by Rebels reliever Bowman then hit Milne in the arm, advancing Bergeron to second base. Bergeron then scored when Kamps singled to right field. The score remained 6-0 throughout the rest of the game.

FINALS SET
Despite the self-dubbed “Valley Legacy,” Valley enters the finals as underdogs with only one win in five games against Quyon this year. Valley’s only win against Quyon was a 9-1 triumph in the Manotick Dickinson Days Tournament.

Congratulations to the Rebels on a good season and a well-fought series.

Blitz finalists Newboro tourney

from Scott Dumouchel
The Newboro tournament resulted in the First Final appearance in a Tournament for the Ottawa Blitz team in its 2 year history.

Game 1 Blitz defeated Newboro (host) 1-0 Friday in a pitcher's duel. Only run came with Scott Dumouchel hitting a 1 out grounder up the middle for a single. He then advanced to 2nd on a pass ball. Ron Hrycak then moves him to 3rd with a grounder to 2nd. With 2 outs, Nathan Vader hits a hard grounder that eats up Jeff Seed to score the only run. WP - Jamie Blakely

Game 2 Blitz lost to Carp 7-0 Saturday afternoon. Derick Bulley got the nod but just didn't have his stuff working and Carp hit some hard shots but also had a couple Blitz errors as well. Steven Bishop came in to relieve in the 2nd inning, but Carp eventually got to him as well. WP Chad Hargrove LP Derick Bulley relief by Steven Bishop HR-McNish, Hargrove

Game 3 Blitz defeated Bramalea 3-2 Sunday afternoon. Jamie Blakely threw an awesome game in a must win to advance. Ottawa's offence started in the 3rd where they scored 2 runs, RBI's going to Rusty Brooks and Scott Dumouchel. Steven Bishop hit a tower of a shot in the 4th to lead 3-0. Bramalea scored 2 runs in the bottom of the inning, both unearned. Bramalea had runners on 2nd & 3rd in the 6th with nobody out. Blakely struck out the first then had tow grounders to end the inning stranding both runners. WP Jamie Blakely HR-Steven Bishop

Semi-Finals Blitz defeated Greenbush (defending back-to-back Champs) 4-0 Jamie Blakely took the ball again and was unhitable. All four runs for the Blitz came off the bats of 2 run shots and were well hit. WP Jamie Blakely LP Lyle Schell HR-Chad Milne, Adam Greer.

Finals: Blitz lost to Sharbot Lake 7-1 Blitz scored on the first at bat with Rusty Brooks getting the RBI. Questionable call at the plate had the Blitz thinking we'd scored 2. Rusty Brooks took the mound but was hit hard and chased in the 1st after giving up 4. Derick Bulley came in to relief and gave up a bomb himself but settled in to shut the Sharbot Lake bats down. LP Rusty Brooks with relief from Derick Bulley.

Blackburn Bombers also participated in the tourney, going 1-2 with a win against Sydenham and losses against Sharbot Lake and Greenbush. Pitching for the Blitz were Shannon Borho (1 loss), Ryan Cox (1 win) and "Disco Stew" Shonfield (1 loss in relief of Cox and Borho).

UOVMFL semifinal tied at 1-1, Game 3 tonight in Shawville

Game 2 result from August 11: Shawville 9, Pontiac 5
Winner: Todd Hearty. Loser: Darren Featherstone, relieved by Matt Greer.
Home Runs: Shawn Laframboise for Pontiac; Darron Barr and Jamie Armstrong for Shawville
After Pontiac leading 5-0 after 5 complete, Shawville came back for the win. Shawville scored 3 in the sixth and 6 in the seventh.

Game 3 is tonight August 22 8:30pm in Shawville.

Game 4 date is still to be determined.

ToC awards announced

The ToC awards were announced: http://www.iscfastpitch.com/uploads/File/ISC%20II%20ToC%20Awards.htm

Of note.....

Corey Costello was named to the All-Tournament team as a pitcher.
Corey was also named MVP of the tournament.
Jeff Hannah of the Kingston Cowboys was also named to the All-Tournament team as an outfielder.

Palermo wins 6-1, Micksburg finishes tied for third

Bottom 7th inning:
6) Chad Costello: grounds out to pitcher, one out
7) Steege: grounds out, two out
8) Graham pinch hitting for Newhouse: strikes out, three out
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB

FINAL Palermo 6 Micksburg 1

WP: Gord Scott (Complete game)
LP: Corey Costello, with relief from Mike Bateman

Palermo to face Tavistock, ON in an all-Ontario ToC final

last chance coming for Micksburg, still down 6-1

Top 7th inning:
4) Prowse: flies out to right, one out
5) Cameron: strikes out, two out
6) Inglehart: singles to left. McNab in to pinch-run.
7) Burtt: hit by pitch, McNab advances to second.
8) Blamauer: strikes out, three out
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB

Micksburg scores one, down 6-1 after six complete

Bottom 6th inning:
9) Burger (in to pinch-hit for Bell): strikes out, one out
1) Pender: walks
2) Barry McIntyre: Pender steals second. Pender steals third. McIntyre grounds out the pitcher, runner held, two out
3) Corey Costello: single, Pender scored. RBI: Corey Costello
Brent McIntyre in to pinch-run for Corey.
4) Mick: single to left, Brent McIntyre to second.
5) Bateman: grounds into fielders choice at third, three out.
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 LOB
Palermo leads 6-1

Palermo scores again, up 6-0

Top 6th inning:
8) Blamauer: single to centre field
9) Chater: sac bunt, Blamauer to second, one out
1) Dobbin: Blamaeur advances to third on wild pitch; Dobbin strikes out, two out
2) McColl: single, Blamaeur scores. RBI: McColl
3) Rankin: McColl steals secondRankin goes out
1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Palermo up 6-0

Gord Scott continues to shut down Micksburg

Bottom 5th inning:
6) Chad Costello: strikes out, one out
7) Steege: strikes out, two out
8) Newhouse: ground ball to third, three out
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Palermo leads 5-0

Palermo still leads 5-0

Top 5th inning:
4) Prowse: ground out, first out
5) Cameron: grounds out to short, two out
6) Inglehart: single to left field
7) Burtt: flies out to right field, three out
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Palermo leads 5-0

Palermo still leads 5-0

Bottom 4th inning:
3) Corey Costello: (still in as it was a defensive switch only as Corey moves to DP and Bateman moves to Pitcher) grounds out to first, one out
4) Mick: grounds out to second, two out
5) Bateman: strikes out, three out
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB

Bateman throwing well, holds off Palermo in the 4th

Top 4th inning:
1) Dobbin: ground out to third, one out
2) McColl: strikes out, two out
3) Rankin: strikes out, three out
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB

Micksburg still down 5-0 to Palermo

Bottom 3rd inning:
9) Bell: ground out to second, one out
1) Pender: ground out to second, two out
2) Barry McIntyre: ground out to pitcher, three out
0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Palermo leads 5-0

top 3rd Palmero vs. Micksburg

Top 3rd inning:
3) Rankin: solo home run to centrefield, just missed by Pender. RBI: Rankin
4) Prowse: bloop hit, makes it to third
5) Cameron: walks; Weldon in to pinch run
Mike Bateman into throw, replaces Corey Costello
6) Inglehart: Weldon steals secondgrounds out to shortstop, runners held, one out
7) Burtt: sac fly to right, two out. Prowse scores. RBI: Burtt
8) Blamauer: single, Weldon scores. RBI: Blamaeur
9) Chater: pop fly to short, three out.
3 runs, 3 hits, 0 error, 1 LOB
Palermo leads 5-0

Corey not too happy with the umpiring......

bottom of second Micksburg - Palmermo

Bottom 2nd inning:
5) Bateman: grounds out, one out.
6) Chad Costello: strike out, two out.
7) Steege: bunt single
8) Newhouse: grounds out, third out.
0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Palermo leads 2-0

second inning Micksburg vs. Palermo

Top 2nd inning:
7) Burtt: reached on error (E6)
8) Blamauer: strike out, one out. Burtt advances to second onn dropped third strike.
9) Chater: sac bunts, two out. Burtt advances to third.
1) Dobbin: wild pitch, Burtt scores (unearned)Dobbin reaches on single
2) McColl: Dobbin steals second. McColl grounds to second, three out.
1 run, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB
Palermo leads 2-0

Micksburg vs. Palermo live blogging

Visitors: Palermo, ON Athletics (Gord Scott pitching)
Home: Micksburg Twins (Corey Costello pitching)
Top 1st inning:
1) Dobbin: walked
2) McColl: strike out, one out
3) Rankin: passed ball, Dobbin to secondRankin hits single, Dobbin scores. RBI: Rankin
4) Prowse: reaches first on fielder's choice, ground to pitcher, Dobbin out at second, two out
5) Cameron: Prowse steals second. Cameron walks
6) Inglehart: strike out, three out
1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB

Bottom 1st inning:
1) Pender: strike out, one out
2) Barry McIntyre: ground out to pitcher, two out
3) Corey Costello: hits single
4) Mick: strike out, three out
0 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB

Micksburg on the Internet at 11am

Tune into Micksburg's semi-final game at 11am on Friday at http://www.sportsjuice.com for a live broadcast over the Internet.

If they win, they play at 5pm and that game will be broadcast too.

Live Blogging of Micksburg's quarter final game

Visitor: Ashland (Dan Deumo pitching - a pickup from the Niagara Snappers)
Home: Micksburg (Corey Costello pitching)

1st inning:
Corey Costello breaks the strikeout record in this inning for most in a ToC tourney
Corey drew a walk for M'burg but was left on
no runs, no hits
0-0

2nd inning:
Big diving catch by Brad Steege in top of 2nd to steal a hit
Corey hitting 75mph on radar gun
no runs, no hits
0-0

3rd inning:
6Ks after 3 for Corey Costello, still perfect
Brad Pender draws a two out walk and stole second but is stranded
3Ks after 3 for Dan Deumo, two walks
no run, no hits
0-0

4th inning:
Mike Bateman (Twins pickup from Niagara Snappers) robbed of a homerun at the fence
no runs, no hits
0-0

5th inning:
10Ks for Corey after 5 innings, still perfect
Dan Deumo still has no hitter
no runs, no hits
0-0

top 6th inning:
Ashland puts a runner on through an infield hit with one out (announcers were thinking error but scorer announced hit)
Runner moved to second base, two outs
Corey strikes out last batter to get out of the inning
1 Ashland hit, no runs

bottom 6th inning:
Brent McIntyre gets hit in the back pinch-hitting to lead off
Brad Pender rips a triple to score Brent
Micksburg up 1-0
Barry McIntyre hits sac fly to score Pender
Micksburg up 2-0, one out
Corey hits a single as next batter - Kerr Childerose in to pinch-run for him
Jamey Mick drives a double to left centre
Childerose tries to score but is out at home
3 Micksburg hits, 2 runs
RBIs: Pender, Barry McIntyre
Micksburg leads 2-0

top 7th inning:Corey re-enters the game to pitch against the meat of the Ashland line-up
First batter grounds to Kevin Humphries at first, one out
Second batter (Urban) drag bunts safely to get a single, one out
Third batter (Flinner) pops to Barry McIntyre at short, two out
Fourth batter (Hoenacher) goes to full count - strikes out
1 Ashland hit, 0 runs
Micksburg wins 2-0

WP: Corey Costello 2 hitter, no walks, 13Ks - set new tournament record for strikeouts
LP: Dan Deumo 3 hitter, 2 walks, 1 hit batsmen
Micksburg RBIs: Brad Pender, Barry McIntyre
Micksburg hits: Brad Pender, Corey Costello, Jamey Mick

Micksburg to play Palermo, ON Athletics in the semi-final
Tavistock, ON Merchants to play Perkasie, PA Rise in the other semi-final

Brad and Corey both interviewed on Ballpark Radio after the game. Corey made it a point to say "Gidday" to all the fans back in Micksburg! A large contingent of fans from Micksburg could be heard celebrating in the background.

Micksburg moves on to Final 8 at ToC

Micksburg Twins have moved on to the final 8 with big playoffs wins at the Tourney of Champions in Kitchener.

After finishing third in their pool (three teams tied at 3-1), the Twins defeated Thomson, Illinois last night at 9PM by a score of 4-2. Looks like this one went 9 innings and was won on a home run by Kevin Newhouse (pickup from Niagara). Thomson was a wildcard team after finishing 2-2 in the same pool as WC Electric.

Then today, the Twins defeated Alvinston, Ontario Indians by a score of 5-4. No details on the web yet. Alvinston came into that game undefeated.

Micksburg will now play Ashland, Ohio Merchants tonight. If they win, they play in a semifinal game at 11am tomorrow.

Valley / Orleans tied 1-1, Quyon advances to RA Final

Bring On Game Three!
Valley Rebounds To Tie Series 1-1

By Tyler Cox, Ottawa Valley Raiders Fastball Club
OTTAWA—The Valley Raiders defeated the Orléans Midget Rebels 9-1 in Game 2 of the semi-finals last night at the RA Centre. The best-of-three series is now tied 1-1. Game three will take place Monday night at 7 PM on the RA Centre’s Diamond #1.

RC GOES AGAIN FOR VALLEY
Ryan Cox toed the slab for his fourth-straight start of the playoffs. He collected the win, improving his playoff record to three wins and one no-decision. He pitched four innings on Wednesday, allowing one earned run on four hits. Gord Flannery pitched the fifth and sixth innings for Valley. Flannery allowed one hit and struck out four batters. Fan-favourite Gary Cavanagh closed the game in the seventh inning. Cavanagh allowed one hit, and struck out two Rebels.

VALLEY STRIKES EARLY
After being held to one hit by Rebels pitcher Chad Hargrove on Tuesday night, Valley was eager to hit on Wednesday night. In the top of the first Brett Dugan and Rich Antunes reached base on a single and walk, respectively. Lukas Kamps then reached base on failed attempt at a sac bunt, on which Dugan was forced out at third. Antunes and Kamps then scored on a two-run double by designated player Gord Flannery.

Roy Black led Valley’s attack in the second inning by hitting a double deep to left-centerfield. Brett Dugan then induced a walk from Hargrove. Black then crossed the plate on a wild pitch. Dugan scored on an RBI double by Lukas Kamps. Kamps then scored on an RBI double by Will Mood.

Antunes sparked a one-out-rally in the fourth inning with a single off of relief pitcher Nick Bowman. Bowman had replaced Hargrove after the second inning. Kamps followed with a base-on-balls. Mood then drove in Antunes with an RBI single. The inning ended strangely when both Mood and Kamps were called out on an interference play. Kamps had crossed the plate just an instant after Mood had interfered with the Rebels’ second baseman while being tagged out in a rundown between first and second. The officials ruled that Mood had interfered with any possible attempt that the Rebels had to make a play at home. As a result, both Kamps and Mood were called out on the play.

Dave Millette reached base on a walk in the sixth inning. Millette scored on an RBI single by Kamps. Kamps moved to third on a single by Mood, and later scored on a passed ball.

REBELS STRUCK BY FATIGUE
The toll of a week at the Midget Canadians in Saskatchewan and the ensuing jetlag finally hit the Rebels on Wednesday night. Kamps commented on the Rebels lack of zest.

“They’re clearly tired tonight. But look for them to bounce back on Monday night. We can’t take them lightly.”
In the RA’s other semi-final, the Quyon Junior Flyers beat Team Six 9-3, sweeping the best-of-three series.

Eastern Ont teams ousted at ToC

I'm back at home, but from a quick peak at the ToC website http://www.iscfastpitch.com/, we have the following updates:
- WC Electric finished 0-4 and didn't make the playoff round
- Stittsville lost their final game to the Elora Brewers and didn't make the playoff round with a 1-3 record.
- Kingston won their final game against Millington, Michigan and finished 1-3, out of the playoff round.
- Team Easton lost their final game to the previously winless Orr Park, Ohio Knights to finish the round robin at 2-2. They then played the Bakersfield, California Lumberkings in the first round of the playoffs and were upset 2-1. Apparently BC native Jon Nimmo, the same large individual that pitched against WC Electric, hit a 6th inning 2 run shot.
- Micksburg finished in a three way tie for first in their pool with a 3-1 record. The Twins were to play Thomson, Illinois Area Merchants in a playoff game Weds night, but I can't find results yet. Thomson have a young pitcher Jonas Mach from the Czech Republic who was throwing very well, including a 3-1 win over WC Electric. The catcher from the Illinois team is from New Zealand - he hit a two run homer against the Electric.

Orleans leads RA Semi 1-0

OTTAWA—The Orléans Midget Rebels outlasted the Ottawa Valley Raiders last night, winning 2-1 in an eight-inning game. With the win, the Rebels take a 1-0 lead in the RA Centre’s best-of-three semi-finals.

VALLEY CAN’T SOLVE HARGROVE
Rebels’ ace Chad Hargrove pitched an impressive eight-inning one-hitter, in which he registered 10 strikeouts. Hargrove’s one surrendered hit came off the bat of Valley right fielder Lukas Kamps.

Valley’s lone run came in the fifth inning after designated player Shawn Moher reached second on an error. Moher then advanced to third on a Roy Black groundout to the right side of the infield. To everyone’s surprise, Moher then scored—standing up—on a passed ball.

The absence of a few strong Valley hitters was notable. Rich Antunes was absent due to family commitments. Darren Featherstone and Chad Milne were at the International Softball Congress’ Tournament of Champions with the Stittsville 56’ers and Ottawa Team Easton Thunder, respectively. Also, Valley’s leadoff hitter Stéphane Vinette left last night’s game with a pulled groin.

RC PITCHES A GEM
Valley’s anchor Ryan Cox put on yet another stellar performance. He allowed one run through 6 2/3 innings on three hits. He recorded seven strikeouts. The Rebels’ run came in the fifth inning when catcher Matt Bowman hit a solo homerun to left-centerfield.

Valley’s Gord Flannery entered the game to pitch in the top of the seventh inning, with a runner at first and two outs, to pitch to Bowman. Valley’s crafty veteran induced Bowman to pop up in the infield.

EXTRA INNING REQUIRED
After seven regulation innings, the teams remained tied 1-1. The international tiebreaker rule came into effect in the top of the eighth inning. Accordingly, Bowman started as a runner at second base. He advanced to third on a single to leftfield by Hargrove. Valley’s Derek Bergeron made a fantastic play to pick up the ball cleanly and hold Bowman at third base. Bowman then scored on a full-swing bunt that evaded Valley’s infielders, giving the Rebels a 2-1 lead.

Black started as a runner at second base for Valley in the bottom of the eighth inning. With nobody out, he advanced to third on a wild pitch. Unfortunately for Valley, Black remained at third base as Hargrove struck-out three straight Valley batters to end the threat.

Valley and the Rebels clash again on Wednesday night at 7 PM. Valley needs to win to avoid elimination. Valley catcher Tyler Cox commented on the urgency in the post-game debriefing at the SunDeck bar.

“Our backs are against the wall.”

Newboro tourney

Looks like 8 teams in the Newboro tourney this weekend:

Newboro Rideau Insurance 56'ers
Greenbush Generals
Carp I4C Victory
Sharbot Lake Merchants
Ottawa Blitz
Sydenham Merchants
Bramalea Lumberjacks
Blackburn Bombers

more from the ToC

Micksburg won this morning 4-0 over Hoffman's from Pennsylvannia. Corey Costello threw another mint game with twenty strikeouts, one walk and one ground ball out. So in his first two games he threw 14 innings, one perfect game, and one no-hitter.

Micksburg also beat the defending champions Elmira Cubs 3-0, with Costello again getting the win. Don’t have the details on this one, but the website says Corey had 13Ks and Joran Graham pitched the last inning in relief. TheTwins finished round robin play 3-1.

Team Easton defeat Tavistock 3-1 in a key win for them. Dan Konkle pitched well to Randy Peck who was behind the dish. Who knew DK was such a good drop ball pitcher? He had the dipper working well in this one. Easton went to 2-1 with a game remaining vs. Orr Park, Ohio who I don't believe have a strong team this year.

Stittsville went to 1-2 with a 7-3 loss to a to team fromMichigan. Dan Bradley and Kyle Jamieson saw action on the slab in this one. They have one game left against Elora.

WC Electric finished winless, ending the round robin on the wrong end of a 15-2 beating by Bakersfield, California. The California Raisins (as we affectionately called them) pounded out 17 hits over 5 innings against 4 different Trix pitchers (Brad Porter, Mark Wright, Bud Hanlon and Troy Wilson). WC only managed one hit by Michael Cavanagh.

update over, back to Skip-Bo

ToC news

Fitzroy lost 6-2 to Bridgeport Braves the host team to go 0-3. A very strong squad. Mark Wright started and took the loss but pitched well. Steve Cavanagh had two hits and an RBI for Fitzroy including a double that just missed going out. Jon Daley had a triple.

Rumours were true - Micksburg lost to Colorado 8-0. They are 1-1 just like Team Easton and Stittsville. Kingston is 0-2 last I heard.

Orleans finishes 5th at Midget nationals

Congrats to Orleans Midgets on a very good showing at Nationals.....and thanks to Jeff Langford for the excellent reports:

Orleans finished the Midget Champions going 1-1 in the playoff round. Orleans beat the host team Prince Albert Aallcann Astros 3-2 in the first game. Chad Hargrove got the win scattering 6 hits over 7 innings. Kurtis Summers had a 2 run home run, and Brian Friesen had a RBI single to drive in the Orleans runs.

Orleans met the Port Alberni Blazers in the next game but had no answers for the Blazer’s hitting or pitching, losing 11-0 in 5 innings. Orleans managed only 3 hits over 5 innings against Tyson Barkman from the Blazers. Chad Hargrove took the loss with some relief help from Nick Bowman.

The Napanee Express saved their best for playoff Saturday winning 2 games against higher seeds. The Express beat the Sooke Royals 6-4, the Scarborough Royals 9-7 before losing to Port Alberni 9-8 in the bottom of the seventh in their 3rd game on Saturday.

The official results are not out yet because there are still games to play on Sunday but Napanee should be 4th and Orleans should finish 6th overall. The Saskatchewan First Nations team (FSIN), the Leduc Landmark 747s and the Port Alberni Blazers remain in the hunt for medals on Sunday. NOTE: They finished 5th.

Overall the Midget Championships was just a great experience for the Orleans Rebels. The team played well against some very good competition. The tournament organization and the facilities were really outstanding. We also got to experience ‘western hospitality’ first hand and we could not have been treated any better.

Friday results from Midget Nationals

from Jeff Langford - I was a little behind in emails, sorry

Congratulations to Matt Bowman of the Orleans Rebels, who was chosen to the Midget Nationals Tournament All-Star at the catcher position. He was the only All-Star team representative from Ontario. Matt had a great week offensively (13/24, .541 Average, 6 home runs) and played well defensively.

The Napanee Express beat the Calgary Rockies in the tie-breaker game to get the 8th playoff spot. The playoff round started on Friday night with seeds 1 through 4 squaring off. The number 1 seed, Scarborough Royals, lost to the Leduc (Alberta) Landmark 747s by a score of 4-3. Saskatchewan FSIN defeated Port Alberni by a score of 4-0. The top 4 seeds must lose twice to be eliminated. Teams ranked 5 through 8 are eliminated with the first lost on Saturday. On Saturday, Orleans plays the host team Prince Albert Aallcann Astros and Napanee plays the Sooke (BC) Royals.

McNab tourney cancelled

Too bad, but it looks like the McNab tourney is cancelled due to not enough teams this year.....

more news from ToC

Raining now, not sure if the games are going or not.

Fitzroy lost 5-2 to Waterdown. Bud Hanlon had the loss with relief from Brad Porter. Had our chances, but could only get one rally going.

Corey did have a perfect game yesterday in a 9-0 victory over Orangeville. 20 strikeouts. I'd say not a bad game. Micksburg was to play Colorado this afternoon, not sure how they did.

Stittsville and Easton are off today and golfing I believe.

Fitzroy plays the host Bridgeport tonight at 8PM in a must win.

ToC update

A quick update from the ToC in Kitchener.

- Nice facilities, diamonds are in great shape. The four diamonds for the ISC II are very nice and the PHBY where the big boys play is outstanding.


- Team Easton and Stittsville opened up Sunday early with wins.

- Saw the Easton/Toronto game and Dan Konkle and Jeff Murphy both pitched very well in a 2-0 shutout. The Toronto starter was having huge problems with illegal pitches. If you listened to the Internet radio for this game, you would have heard me with some insightful commentary for an inning!

- Stittsville beat Sydney, Nova Scotia. Didn’t see this one, but I hear the Sydney team was not very strong.

- WC Electric lost 3-1 to Thomson, Illinois. Brad Porter gave up a two run shot in the first then settled down and threw well. Todd Clouthier had the hot bat for Fitzroy with two singles off the Czech pitcher that throws for Thomson. Todd also had the WC RBI.

- Stittsville lost their night game against Kitchener 3-1. They weren't too happy with the umps in this one.

- Team Easton played TNT from Pennsylvannia in their night game and lost (I think it was 8-1). TNT hit four bombs....huge homers.

- Micksburg won their first one over Orangeville 9-0. Heard that Corey Costello had a perfect game, but haven't verified that.

more updates when I get a chance

also check out www.iscfastpitch.com

Tourney of Champions Updates

A few guys have been asking if the Blog will be updated during the ToC and the answer is yes. I will update as much as possible with all the inside scoop on what is going on down in Kitchener and I'll try to get news/updates from all 4 teams from this area (Stittsville, Easton, Micksburg and of course Fitzroy).

Should be a great time and excellent ball.

Be sure to follow the results at the ISC page: http://www.iscfastpitch.com/index.php?page=90 as well as the online Internet radio broadcasts at http://www.sportsjuice.com/broadcaster2.aspx?bid=MTcx-IvYMy3b8ktA%3d

On another note, thanks to everyone for checking out the blog. I checked out the stats - 5980 "page impressions" in July alone and almost 2300 already in August. At least somebody is reading this thing.

Orleans finished 4-4 in round robin at Midget Nationals, another walk off homer for Graham

from Jeff Langford

The Orleans Rebels came up short in two close games at the Midget Nationals in Thursday. Orleans lost to the Scarborough Royals by a score of 6-4 in the morning game. Scarborough came to the tournament as the number one ranked team and have lived up to the billing going 6-1 in the first 7 games.

Nick Bowman pitched for the Rebels and took the loss but held the Royals to 6 hits over 6 innings. Andy Skelton of the Royals had a 3 run home run in the third to lead their attack. For the Rebels, Matt Bowman continued to have the hot bat going 3-4 with a home run and a triple.

In the afternoon game the Rebels lost 7-5 to the Napanee Express. Orleans tied the game up in the 7th on a Matt Alkerton solo shot, but Joran Graham from the Micksburg Twins hit his second walkoff home run of the Nationals in the bottom half. On the day Joran went 3-4 with 5 RBIs to carry Napanee to victory. Chad Hargrove took the loss for Orleans. Andy McLean, from Waterloo, picked up the win for the Express.

Orleans finishes the round-robin portion of the tournament with a 4-4 record. They will advance into the playoff round on the weekend but their placement is still not finalized. Napanee finished 3-5 and will have to play a tie breaker game to get into the playoff round.

Easton 3 WC Electric 1 in pre-ToC exhibition

Team Easton defeated WC Electric 3-1 in an exhibition game in Stittsville on Thursday night.

Dan Konkle had the pitching win throwing 7 innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out 15. Bud Hanlon took the loss throwing 4 innings, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out five. Brad Porter finished the final two innings, allowing one run on three hits, striking out three.

Dave Tubman scored for Easton in first after doubling to lead off the inning, advancing to third on a passed ball and scoring at home on a passed ball.

In the fourth, Dan Jessiman singled, was sacrificed to second and scored on a Dan Konkle RBI single for the second Easton run.

Fitzroy scored in the top of the fifth when Steve Cavanagh hit a single and scored all the way from first on a Steve Johnson RBI double to the gap.

Easton rounded out the scoring in the bottom of the fifth when Scott Herriott hit a single, stole second then scored on a Todd Fraser RBI single to left.

Both teams play their first games on Sunday at the ToC. Team Easton faces the Toronto Indians at 2PM on a game to be broadcast over Internet radio at http://www.ballparkradio.com. WC Electric faces Thomson, Illinois Merchants in their first game at 7:30PM.

Watch the blog for reports about the ToC - I'll try to have the "inside scoop" on everything going on in Kitchener. Visit http://www.iscfastpitch.com/index.php?page=90 for official stats and results.

Manotick vs. Carp GOFL Playoff Series NEW DATES

New dates have been decided for the Lomor vs. I4C first round playoff series (best of three):

Game 1 Wednesday, August 23rd 9:00 PM Manotick
Game 2 Monday, August 28th 8:30 PM Carp
Game 3 (If necessary) Wednesday, August 30th 8:00 PM Manotick

RA Playoff schedule released

RA Fastball Playoff schedule for the next round is set..... see below.

Mon. Aug.14
7:00pm D# 1 - Team 6 vs Quyon Flyers

Wed. Aug.16
7:00pm D# 1 - Quyon vs Team 6
7:00pm D# 4 - Orleans vs Valley
9:00pm D# 4 - Valley vs Orleans

Mon. Aug.21
7:00pm D# 1 - Semi final 3rd game if needed (a) Orleans vs Valley ; (b) Team 6 vs Quyon ; or Final # 1
9:00pm D# 1 - Semi final 3rd game if needed Team 6 vs Quyon

Wed. Aug.23
7:00pm D# 4 - Final 1 or 2

Mon. Aug.28
7:00pm D# 1 - Final 2 or (3 if needed)

Wed. Aug.30
7:00pm D# 4 - Final 3 if needed.

Orleans girls fare well at Junior Women's Nationals

from Cory Morrison

Two players from Orleans Junior Rebels were recently picked up for the Canadian Junior Women's fastpitch tournament currently going on in Ile Perrot, Quebec.

Left fielder Sam Pantalone of Kanata and Pitcher Jill Taylor of Orleans are playing for the Clarington Cougars as the Ontario 3 representative.

Although the team was seeded in the 12th position they currently stand in 3rd place with a 4-2 record with both losses being by 1 run.

Both players are doing quite well as Jill Taylor received player of the game VS Port Perry Angels (Ontario 1) by going 3/4 with 2 rbi's and a SB as well as pitching 3 scoreless innings in relief during a 6-5 win, while Sam Pantalone has chipped in with 3 doubles off the fence and 1 single.

http://www.quebecnational.com

Bowman hits four homers in two games, Orleans now 4-2 at Midget Nats

from Jeff Langford

Orleans split the day on Wednesday losing 8-4 to the Calgary Rockies in the morning and winning 10-0 over the Selkirk (Ontario) Combines in the afternoon.

In the first game Chad Hargrove gave up 5 runs. pitching into the 4th inning, and took his first loss of the tournament. The Rockies scored 8 runs on 5 hits that included a grand slam home run and a 2 run triple. The Rebels did not take advantage of a great hitting performance by Matt Bowman who went 3 for 3 with 3 solo home runs.

In the second game Orleans bounced back against Selkirk. Chad Hargrove picked up his 4th win of the tournament with 8 strikeouts over 5 innings. Jordan Adams and Brian Friesen both went 2-3, and Matt Bowman hit a grand slam home run to lead the offence. Kurtis Summers and Chad Hargrove also had solo shots.

Orleans sits at 4-2 after 6 games. Orleans plays the Scarborough Royals and the Napanee Express on Thursday to complete round-robin play.

http://2006midgetboys.com/

Valley, Team 6 advance in RA League playoffs

Valley Advances to Second Round - Team Six Knocks Out Rogues

OTTAWA—The Valley Raiders defeated CBU Publishing 8-0 last night at the RA Centre. With the loss, CBU’s season comes to a close. With the win, Valley advances to face the Orléans Midget Rebels in the second round of the RA Centre playoffs.

SHUT-OUT FOR VALLEY PITCHERS
Ryan Cox started for Valley for the second time in three nights. He collected his second playoff win, his first playoff shutout in 2006. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and three walks. Ryan Cox gave up two singles in the sixth inning, at which point Gord Flannery replaced him. With two runners on base and one out, Flannery struck out two batters to end the threat. In the seventh inning, he retired three-straight CBU batters to preserved the shut out.

WELL-DISTRIBUTED VALLEY OFFENCE
Shortstop Chad Milne led Valley’s attack in the first inning with a leadoff triple. He later scored on an RBI single by leftfielder Brett Dugan. The scored remained 1-0 through four innings.

In the fifth inning, Stéphane Vinette delivered a pinch-hit double. Vinette scored from second on an RBI double from Milne. Tyler Cox then attempted a sacrifice bunt. An errant throw on the play made its way down the right field line, allowing Milne to score from first and Tyler Cox to hustle all the way around the bases to score.

With two out in the seventh, Valley’s offence produced again. Will Mood singled. Dugan reached base on an error. Rich Antunes delivered an RBI double. Dave Millette was hit by a pitch. Flannery hit a two-run single. And Roy Black hit his first RBI single of the playoffs.

A honourable mention goes to Milne’s “homerun” that was called foul. After the call, questions about the eyesight of much beloved umpire came into question. Shawn Moher described the hit in a morning-after email.

“That ball took a right turn about 30 feet past the inside of the corner…ten feet above the marker!!!”

Congratulations to Derrick Bulley of CBU on a well-pitched series.

Valley’s next game is next week against Orléans Midget Rebels. The game time and date is currently being negotiated.

In the other quarterfinal series at the RA Centre, Team Six eliminated the Rogues after a 2-1 victory. Jamie “Lumpy” Wilson and Chuck Musicka pitched complete games for Team Six and the Rogues, respectively. All three runs were scored in the first inning. Team 6 will advance to play the Quyon Flyers and the Rogues are eliminated.

Prospect, NY tournament

Prospect is billed as the World’s Longest Consecutive Running Fastpitch Tournament—61 Years. The date is September 1-4 in Prospect, NY (Central New York). It’s a 10 Team Double Elimination format. Entry fee is $225 with 100% payback to top four teams. As a special note, teams outside New York may be eligible to have their entry refunded once they play their games. An interesting incentive for teams from Ontario! ASA approved bats only and Open Pitching Rule. The tournament is held during the annual Firefighters’ Field Days with food concessions, a beer tent and live music every night.

Contact Dennis Williams at dwilliams@uticafirst.com or (315) 896-2308 or Steve Grabowski at
fastball@dreamscape.com or at (315) 271-9876.

56ers defeat WC Electric 6-2 in ToC tune-up

Stittsville defeated WC Electric in Fitzroy Harbour on Wednesday night by a score of 6-2 in a tune up for both teams for the big tourney in Kitchener.

The 56ers scored 4 in the first on some hard hits and two WC errors and didn't look back after that.

Dan Bradley had the win, throwing six innings allowing two runs, six hits, walking three ans striking out eight. Matt Greer who has been picked up by the 56ers for the tourney threw the final inning three up three down.

Bud Hanlon took the loss, allowing six runs on six hits, walking one and striking out three in 2.2 innings. Brad Porter finished the game, not allowing a run, three hits, striking out three, and walking none.

For Stittsville, Matt Greer was 2-4, Scott Parsons was 2-3 with a two run homer, and Kevin McGuire (a pickup from Carp for the tourney) was 2-4.

For WC, Michael Cavanagh was 1-4 with a double and Troy Wilson was 1-3 with a double. Steve Cavanagh was 2-3.

Joran Graham hits 8th inning Grand Slam to win game at Midget Nationals

http://paama.sasktelwebhosting.com/GAME26.HTM

Napanee Midget Express knocked off the undefeated Port Alberni, BC Blazers 9-4 in extra innings for their first win of the Midget Canadians in Saskatchewan. Micksburg player Joran Graham who plays Midget rep ball for Napanee sealed the deal with a grand slam to straight away center in the top of the 8th inning.

Graham will be playing next week at the ISC II Tournament of Champions in Kitchener with the Micksburg Twins.

Thanks to Shawn Laframboise for the tip

Valley takes 1-0 lead in RA playoffs

OTTAWA—The Valley Raiders beat CBU Publishing 7-1 on Monday night in Game 1 of the first round of the RA Centre Playoffs. The first round is a best-of-three-games series.

RC GETS START
Valley’s dependable playoff pitcher Ryan Cox got the start on the pitching rubber. He allowed one run on three hits in the first inning. After the first, Ryan Cox shut the door, allowing no more runs until he was replaced.

In the sixth inning, Gord Flannery entered the game to pitch for Valley. In two innings of work, he allowed no runs and recorded four strikeouts.

MILNE SWINGS BIG STICK
Valley’s offence was sluggish to start, as they faced CBU ace Derrick Bulley. Centrefielder Brett Dugan scored Valley’s first run in the second inning. He reached base on a walk and advanced to second base when Rich Antunes dropped down a sacrifice bunt. Dugan scored from second when Lukas Kamps ripped an RBI triple.

Chad Milne carried a big club for Valley on Monday. He hit a solo homerun in the third and a two run homerun in the fourth after Tyler Cox had reached base on a bloop single.
Dugan commented on Tyler Cox’s lucky hit with a facetious tone.

“The blog will read, ‘What a tremendous single!’”

The hits kept on coming after that. In the fifth inning, Stéphane Vinette, Will Mood, Darren Featherstone, and Shawn Moher added hits to give Valley a 7-1 lead.

CBU and Valley will clash again on Wednesday night Aug 9 in Game 2 of the best-of-three-games series.

In other RA playoff action, Team 6 defeated the Rogues to take a 1-0 lead in their series. Jamie Wilson had the pitching win, and Matt Cox took the loss.

Burger strikes out 18, Pontiac defeats Shawville 4-3 in Game 1 of UOVMFL semi-finals

from Shawn Laframboise

The UOVMFL playoffs got under way last night with the 2nd place Pontiac Royals hosting the Shawville Athletics.

The A's started the scoring in the second inning when Royals starter Lenny Burger walked Jeff Tanguay. On the ensuing steal attempt, the ball was thrown into the dirt before second base and ended up in center field. Another error on the play charged to the center fielder allowed Tanguay to score all the way from first.

Todd Fraser took the mound for the A's. In the bottom of the second inning, Ron Laronde reached second on an error to Tanguay in center field. After retiring the next two batters, Fraser surrendered a two-run homerun to left field by Jacques Pilon, who went yard for the first time this season.

The Royals continued the scoring in the third with Joe McCleary reaching base on a two-out error charged to second baseman Al Kuehl. Chad Milne singled, and Ron Laronde cashed them both in with a double.

Fraser walked the bases loaded in the fifth but proceeded to get out of the jam with a fly ball to right field.

The A's bats were quiet until the sixth inning when Steve McCord broke up the no-hitter with a triple to the gap in right. Todd Fraser cashed him in with a double, followed by another double by Darron Barr. That brought the game within one.

Al "Wheels" Kuehl led off the seventh and reached first with a bunt single but was left stranded as Burger struck out the next three batters.

Both Burger and Fraser went the distance with the Royals ace striking out 18 batters.

Lenny Burger 7.0IP 3R 2ER 4H 2BB 18K
Todd Fraser 7.0IP 4R 2ER 7H 4BB 5K

Orleans at 3-1 record in Midget Canadians in Sask

from Jeff Langford

Orleans Rebels lost their first game at the Midget Championships on Monday evening by a score of 14-2 to the Port Alberni Blazers. The Blazers were ranked number 2 out of BC, but they remain undefeated after 4 games through Tuesday at the Midget Championships. Nick Bowman took the loss for Orleans with some relief from Eric Lafleur. Matt Alkerton had 2 of the Orleans 6 hits going 2-3 with 1 run. Brian Friesen and Kurtis Summers had the 2 Orleans RBIs.

Orleans bounced back on Tuesday beating the Host team, the Prince Albert AallCann Astros by a score of 4-2. Chad Hargrove got the win with 6 strikeouts, and helped his own cause with a 2 run triple in the 1st. Matt Bowman had a solo shot in the 4th and Matt Alkerton drove in Dan Laplante in the 5th to close out the scoring. Both teams put a lot of balls in play so the fans got to see a lot of good defensive play.

On Wednesday, Orleans will play the Calgary Rockies in the morning, and the Selkirk Combines from Ontario in the afternoon.

More info at http://www.2006midgetboys.com