Carp Goes 1-1 the Week of June 25th

Carp Goes 1-1 the Week of June 25th
Loses 6-0 to Ottawa Team Easton Thunder and beats Quyon Flyer 5-2
from Shawn Williams

Two different nights, two different games. On Wednesday night, Carp visited Ottawa Team Easton Thunder at Alexander Grove Park in Stittsville. The Thunder, recent winners of the International Softball Congress (ISC) II Eastern Canadian Qualifier in Sydenham, Ontario proved once again why they are deserving champions with a 6-0 victory over Carp that was shortened to five innings by the league mercy rule. Then on Thursday night, the Victory bounced back with a 5-2 win over the surprising Quyon Flyers, avenging an earlier loss last week in Quyon.

In the Wednesday game, Trevor Wood (2-1) took to the mound against Dan Konkle (6-0-2). Team Easton jumped out to an early lead when Dave Tubman walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. After Kevin Chevrier struck out, Cory Morrison hit an infield single and was called safe on a very close play at first with Tubman moving up to third. Morrison stole second and the throw down from Carp catcher, Al Read was off the mark allowing Tubman to score from third for the first run of the game. Ottawa did more damage in the second when Pat O’Connor singled and Scott Marion was hit by a pitch. O’Connor was then out at third on a fielder’s choice on a nice play by Wood allowing Lukas Kamps to reach first. Then with two out and Tubman at the plate for the second time in two innings, he launched a three run home run to right centrefield to put Team Easton up 4-0. Carp tried to get back in the game and had a runner at third in the second inning and runners at second and third in the third inning but could not cash any of them in.

The Thunder put it away in the bottom of the fifth. After Tubman popped out to Kyle Gourgon at short and Chad Milne, who had replaced Chevrier at second, flew out to right, Cory Morrison got his second hit of the night with a double. Then with veteran hitter, Randy Peck at the plate, he hit a home run to right to make the score 6-0 and send the Victory home with the loss.

For Konkle, on the mound, he gave up no runs on two hits, he walked three had three wild pitches and struck out five. Easton had no errors on the night.

For Carp, Wood threw five innings and gave up six earned runs on five hits, walked two, had one wild pitch, hit one batter and struck out four. Carp made no errors.

At the plate for Team Easton, Tubman was 1-2, with a home run, a walk, three RBI’s and two runs scored. Morrison was
2-3 with a single, a double and a run scored. Peck was 1-3 with a home run, two RBI’s and a run scored. Easton left two runners on base.

For the Victory, Read and Wood were both 1-2. Carp left five runners on base.

In the second game of the week, things went much better for I4C Victory. Neil Cooke (4-1-1) was in the circle for Carp while Quyon countered with Matt Greer (4-1). Cooke was in control of his pitches all night and threw a tidy four hitter.

Carp got off to a much better start in this game when in the bottom of the first, Mike Money led off with a single and stole second base. After Gourgon struck out, Brooks Paziuk hit a fly ball down the leftfield line that dropped in scoring Money from second and with Paziuk hustling, he made it into third with a stand up triple, his first of the year. Read followed Paziuk with a single scoring him from third and making it 2-0 Carp after one. In the bottom of the fifth, Gourgon led off with a walk and was sacrificed to second by Paziuk. Read singled to put runners at the corners and then with two out, Eric Colvin laced a triple to the gap to score two more and it was 4-0 Carp after five. In the top of the sixth, Bucky Fleck led off the inning for Quyon with a single and after Steve McCord popped out to Russ Mitchell at second, Dennis McCleary attempted a sacrifice bunt that went off the end of Casey Poldervaart’s glove putting runners at first and second. Joe McCleary then singled to score Fleck and move brother Dennis to third. Nick Armitage stepped to the plate and hit a ball to Gourgon who erased Big Joe at second allowing younger brother Dennis to score making it 4-2. But that was it for the rally as Cooke bore down and got Greer to strike out to end the inning. Carp put its final run on the board in the bottom of the sixth when Money hit a one out triple and scored on a Gourgon single. Cooke then struck out the side in the top of the seventh.

Cooke had an excellent night on the mound giving up two runs, one earned, on four hits. He walked none and struck out 10. Carp had one error in the game.

Greer threw a complete seven innings giving up five earned runs on eight hits, he walked four, had a wild pitch and struck out five. Quyon committed two errors.

Offensively for Carp, Money led the way going 3-4 with two singles, a triple, a stolen base and two runs scored. Read was
2-4 with an RBI and a run scored and Colvin was 1-2 with a triple, two RBI’s and a walk. Paziuk pitched in going 1-2 with a triple, an RBI, a run scored and a sacrifice. Carp left eight runners on.

For the Flyers, Joe McCleary was 1-3 with an RBI and Fleck was 1-2 with a run scored.

GOFL games to make up, schedule changes

Updated list of games to make up.

Game 7 Carp I4C Victory at Stittsville will be played Thursday, July 26th at 8:30 PM in Carp, with Stittsville as the home team.

The following games still need to be made up sometime:

Wed May 16
Game 8 Quyon Flyers at Ottawa Blitz

Wed May 30
Game 21 WC Electric at Team Easton

Tue June 12
Game 42 Manotick at Quyon Flyers

Snappers' tournament in Quyon cancelled

Word is that the Snappers' tournament that was scheduled for the July 13-15 weekend in Quyon is cancelled due to not enough teams.

Carp I4C Victory defeats Quyon Flyers 5-2

I4C Victory defeated Quyon 5-2 in Carp on Thursday night.

more to follow

Orleans beats Manotick Lomor Printers 4-2

from Jeff Langford

The Gators got the 4-2 win at home on Thursday night over Manotick Lomor Printers.
Chad Hargrove got the win with 13 strikeouts and gave up 3 hits. Trevor Lahey took the loss with 8 strikeouts.

Orleans scored first in the 2nd inning when Brendan Werthner lead off with a triple. Nick Bowman cashed him on fielder's choice. Chad Hargrove had a solo home run the 3rd to give Orleans a 2-0 lead.

Mike Branchaud replied for Manotick with a solo shot of his own in the top of the 5th.

In the bottom of the 5th, Joel Langford had a single, a stolen base and scored when Matt Alkerton hit a hard comebacker to the pitcher. Chad Hargrove then hit a double to score Alkerton and give Orleans a 4-1 lead.

Manotick threatened in the bottem of the 7th, with a Trevor Power home run to close the gap to 4-2.

Dave Norris in motorcycle accident

GOFL Umpire-in-Chief Dave Norris of Westmeath was in a bad accident on his Harley Davidson yesterday. The motorcycle was a complete write off, and Dave was sent to hospital.

Apparently there were no broken bones but lots of bruises and lacerations. He also suffered head trauma and back trauma. Word is that "he sounded pretty good considering" his accident.

Best wishes to Dave for a speedy recovery.

Tournament of Champions invites

This link shows all the teams currently with an invite. At the time of posting, the following teams have received invitations (highlighted teams from the Sydenham qualifier):

1 Tavistock, ON Merchants
2 Palermo, ON Athletics
3 Bridgeport, ON PROforma Braves
4 Kitchener, ON Outlaws
5 Frankenmuth, MI Tiffany’s
6 Perkasie, PA Hoffman Rise
7 Memphis, TN Posse
8 Bakersfield, CA California LumberKings
9 Harrisburg, PA PA Power
10 Salinas, CA A-1 Taylor
11 Wyevale, ON Tribe
12 Ottawa, ON Team Easton Thunder
13 Moraviatown, ON Bucktown Bees
14 Donnacona, QC Blue Sox
15 Ashland, OH Merchants
16 Harriston, ON Mercury’s
17 Waterdown, ON Hammer
18 Port Elgin, ON Blue Devils
19 Quyon, QC Flyers
20 Alvinston, ON Indians
21 Shakespeare, ON Falcons
22 Glencoe, ON Astros
23 Carp, ON I4C Victory Consulting

Blitz win 7-3 over Stittsville

Ottawa Blitz won their second game of the season by a score of 7-3 over the Stittsville 56ers in GOFL action on Wednesday night in Manotick.

Derick Bulley had the complete game win for the Blitz.

Dan Bradley took the loss, throwing five innings. Rob Rattray threw one inning of relief. Ryan Bond was 3 for 3 and had a homerun in a losing cause for the 56ers.

Will Mood and Gerry Sarcantier each had two hits for the winners.

Easton defeat I4C 6-0 on Wednesday

from Cory Morrison

Team Easton defeated Carp I4C Victory 6-0 in GOFL play on Wednesday night in Stittsville.

Dave Tubman led off with a walk, advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch then advanced to 3rd on a infield single by Cory Morrison and scored on the throw to second in an attempt to catch Morrison stealing.

Easton added 3 more in the second as Pat O'Connor singled, Scott Marion was HBP. Lukas Kamps hit into a fielder's choice erasing O'Connor at 3rd. Then Dave Tubman hit a 3-run shot over the right-center field fence.

Easton would round out the scoring in the bottom of the 5th after I4C retired the first two batters Morrison doubled to the gap in left-center and Randy Peck homered. I4C conceded to the mercy rule.

Dan Konkle had the win for Easton, while Trevor Wood took the loss.

Easton Batters
Dave Tubman 1/2 HR 3Rbi's 2 runs scored
Randy Peck 1/3 HR 2Rbi's
Cory Morrison 2/3 2B

Easton and Quyon tie - updated

Easton and Quyon tied 6-6 in a GOFL game in Quyon on Tuesday night.

Dan Konkle pitched for Easton, while Joran Graham threw for the Flyers.

Konkle and Cory Morrison had homers for Team Easton.

Update - some Quyon offensive stats from Joe McCleary and Easton stats from Cory Morrison:

Easton scored in top of 1st as Dave Tubman walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch then scored on a error to the first baseman on ball hit by Cory Morrison. Easton went up 2-0 in the second on a homerun by Dan Konkle.

Quyon scored 3 in the 2nd inning, to pull ahead 3-2. Steve McCord singled, Joran bunted, E5, and reached on error, runners first and second. Nick Armitage drove in McCord with a single between 1st and 2nd. Ben Younge drives in Graham and Armitage with a 1 out double off the fence.

Easton tied the game in the 5th as Dave Tubman was HBP then sacrificed to second by Morrison and driven home on a single by Randy Peck. Easton scored 3 more in the 6th when Scott Marion walked, Dave Tubman singled and Cory Morrison hit a 3 run homerun.

Quyon scored 3 more in the 6th inning. Joe McCleary singled, McCord singled, and Graham drove in McCleary and McCord in with a double. Graham scored on a SAC fly to right by Ben Younge, his 3rd RBI of the match.

Quyon:
Joe McCleary was 1/4
Steve McCord 2/4
Ben Younge 2/3 with 3 RBI's
Joran Graham 1/3 with 2RBI's
Nick Armitage 1/3 RBI

Easton:
Dave Tubman 1/2 1B HBP 3 runs scored
Dan Konkle 1/4 HR
Cory Morrison 1/3 HR 3Rbi's
Randy Peck 1/2 1B Rbi

Carp gets an invite

Congratulations to Carp I4C Victory who will be joining Quyon and Team Easton as local teams with a berth at the ISC Tournament of Champions in Kitchener/Cambridge in August.

After finishing the qualifier in fifth, there was speculation that the Victory would get a berth, and this speculation proved correct yesterday as Shawn Williams received a call informing Carp that they were invited to the "big dance".

Good luck to all GOFL teams that will be in Kitchener.

Manotick and WC Electric tie 1-1

Shannon Borho threw for Manotick, while Bud Hanlon had the start and had an inning of relief from Brad Porter for WC Electric as the teams tied 1-1 Wednesday night in Manotick.

Both teams were only able to generate three hits each as throwers for both sides had good outings.

WC Electric scored in the top of the first, as Todd Clouthier reached on an error and was awarded second when the ball ended up in the bench. He moved to third on a wild pitch and subsequently scored on a wild pitch.

Lomor scored their run in the bottom of the third. Rob Soublier walked to lead off the inning, Tony Riches reached on a bunt that was misfielded, and the runners were moved to second and third on a Joe Allan sac bunt. Don Cox then hit a grounder to first that scored Soublier to tie the game at one.

There was no further scoring, but both teams did have chances.

With a single from Steve Johnson, a sac bunt by Steve Cavanagh, a wild pitch and a walk by Adam Brown, Fitzroy had runners on first and third in the fifth inning. However Bud Hanlon, making a rare appearance at the plate hit a fly to left to end the inning.

Manotick had their best chance in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Don Cox struck out but reached base when the pitch sailed to the screen eluding catcher Johnson. Adam Bickell then stroked a single, putting runners on first and third with one out. Cal Medynski then came to the plate, and hit a fly ball to right field. Steve Cavanagh made the catch on the attempted sac fly, then threw a one-hopper to Johnson at home plate, throwing out Cox for the third out of the inning. This was Cavanagh's third assist of the year from the outfield on a play at the plate.

In the seventh, Troy Wilson lead off with a walk, moved to second on a sac bunt by Steve Johnson. Steve Cavanagh then ripped a ball down the third base line that was caught by Trevor Power. Adam Brown then grounded out to end the inning.

Trevor Power lead off with a single in the bottom of the seventh when Brad Porter came in to pitch, but the next three batters were retired to end the game in a draw.

Bud Hanlon threw six innings, allowing one earned run on two hits, striking out five and walking one. Brad Porter threw an inning in relief, allowing no runs on one hit, striking out two and walking none. WC Electric made one error.

Shannon Borho threw the complete seven innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits, striking out two and walking three. Manotick made one error on the evening and turned a double play in the second.

Troy Wilson, Steve Johnson, and Mike Cavanagh had the hits for WC Electric. Wilson and Johnson also drew walks, as did Adam Brown.

Adam Bickell had two hits for Manotick, while Trevor Power also had a single. Don Cox had the game's only RBI. Rob Soublier drew a walk for Lomor Printers and scored their only run.

Mr and Mrs Blinky

Congrats to Scott Dumouchel of the Ottawa Blitz who got married over the weekend.

Quyon gets the call to Kitchener

Congratulations to the Quyon Flyers for getting an invitiation to the International Softball Congress Tournament of Champions for ISC II teams in Kitchener / Cambridge, to be held in August, joining Ottawa Team Easton as the second local team to get a berth.

This is a huge accomplishment for a young team and I am sure the "Flyers' Army" back home in the Pontiac are very proud of the guys.

Best of luck Flyers, fitzroyfastball will be following your progress throughout the tourney, just as the blog did last year when you were at Junior Nationals.

WC Electric 10 Ottawa Blitz 1

WC Electric defeated the Ottawa Blitz 10-1 in 5 innings of GOFL play on Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour.

Jim Ryan threw very well in getting the win for WC, while Jamie Blakely took the loss for the Blitz.

All nine batters in the WC line up had at least one hit, in racking up 16 hits over 5 innings, a stark contrast to the team's weekend performance.

After two scoreless innings, WC Electric struck first in the bottom of the third inning. Adam Brown led off with a double and moved to third on a ground out. Todd Clouthier then laid down a squeeze bunt, but Brown was out at home on a nice defensive play by Blitz catcher Darron Barr. However Clouthier later score to make the game 1-0 after singles by Mike Cavanagh and Neil Murphy.

WC Electric padded their lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the fourth. Troy Wilson led off with a double, was moved to third on a Steve Johnson sac bunt, and was scored by a Steve Cavanagh single. After Steve Cavanagh moved to second on an errant pick off attempt, Trevor Barton cashed him with an RBI single. Mike Cavanagh drove in Barton for the third run of the inning.

The Blitz responded with a rally in the top of the fifth to make the score 4-1. Jamie Blakely hit a one out single, and Dan Galette reached on an infield error. Duane Bromley then hit a 3-2 pitch to right to drive in Blakely.

However WC Electric responded in the bottom of the fifth to score six runs on seven hits and a walk to make the score 10-1. Shawn Rebertz had two singles in the inning, and other singles were hit by Steve Johnson, Steve Cavanagh, Todd Clouthier, Mike Cavanagh and Neil Murphy as the game was then called on the mercy rule.

Jim Ryan had his strongest pitching outing of the year for the 'Trics, getting the win over 5 innings, scattering 6 hits, allowing no earned runs, striking out 8 and walking one. The 'Trics made one error.

Jamie Blakely took the loss, allowing 16 hits, 9 earned runs, striking out 7 and walking one. The Blitz made three errors.

Hitters:
WC Electric
Trevor Barton 1-3, walk, 2 runs scored
Todd Clouthier 1-4, RBI, 2 runs scored
Mike Cavanagh 4-4, 2 RBI, stolen base, run scored
Neil Murphy 2-4, 2 RBI
Shawn Rebertz 2-4, RBI, run scored, stolen base
Troy Wilson 2-2, double, run scored, sac bunt
Steve Cavanagh 2-3, 2 RBI, 2 runs scored

Blitz
Jamie Blakely 1-3, run scored
Andrew Bruce 1-1
Derick Bulley 1-3
Duane Bromley 2-3, RBI
Tyler Cox 1-2

Carp I4C Victory at Sydenham

Carp I4C Victory Finishes 2-2 at ISC II Qualifier in Sydenham, Ontario
Team has outside opportunity to receive invite to ISC II Tournament of Champions to be Held in Kitchener and Cambridge, Ontario this August
from Shawn Williams

Carp I4C Victory headed to Sydenham, Ontario this past weekend to play in the International Softball Congress (ISC) II Regional Qualifier and cane away with a record of 2-2 and an outside chance to receive an invite to the ISC II Tournament of Champions to be held from August 14-18, 2007 in Kitchener and Cambridge.

Enterprise 2 Carp 0

Carp opened the tournament against local Kingston area team, Enterprise Oasis Pools lead by pitcher, Kevin Brown a former member of the Stittsville 56ers Senior Men’s team and the former Fedlock Falcons from Maryland. Carp countered with right hander Neil Cooke.

In the top of the first, Lyle Brown singled and was safe at second on a close play with Aaron Shields making it to first on the fielder’s choice. After a Mike Finn sacrifice bunt, Kevin Brown popped out to second bringing Andy Brown to the plate who hit a hard shot to Carp third baseman, Al Read. Read caught the ball while falling to the ground and realized he couldn’t make the play at first or get Lyle Brown at home but had the presence of mind to look Shields back to second. The alert defensive play resulted in Shields being out in a rundown but Lyle Brown scored the first run of the game.

Things stayed that way for the balance of the game with Kevin Brown striking out the side for Enterprise in the first, fourth and fifth innings. In the top of the seventh, with Chad Hargrove now in the circle for Carp, Kurt Clark lead off with a walk and was replaced by a pinch runner who moved to second when Darren Crowder hit into a fielder’s choice. Mike McCaw then hit a single moving the pinch runner to third. After Lyle Brown lined out to short, an outfield error allowed the runner from third to score making it 2-0 Enterprise. Carp mounted a comeback in the bottom half of the seventh. After Darren Featherstone grounded out, Hargrove and Kyle Gourgon hit back to back singles and Read walked to load the bases. Brooks Paziuk, pinch hitting for Eric Colvin struck out on a 3-2 pitch that appeared to be outside. That brought Scott Jessiman to the plate. Jessiman was picked up by Carp from the Stittsville 56ers for the weekend and had come into the game as a replacement for Mike Money in the bottom of the fifth. Jessiman worked the count full and then fouled off three consecutive rise balls before striking out swinging at a drop ball to end the game.

Carp 1 Northern Explorers 0

Now relegated to the loser’s bracket of the double elimination tournament, Carp had to start the long road back. It began with a game on Saturday against the Northern Explorers from Sudbury. The Carp bats were again for the most part silent but got the job done with a 1-0 win and an excellent pitching performance from Hargrove and his counterpart, Aaron Owl of the Explorers. The only run in the game came in the top of third when with two out, Trevor Wood doubled to left and scored on a single by Money. Hargrove gave up only four hits to the Explorers while walking only one and striking out nine. Owl was equally exceptional for the mostly native Explorers team, giving up only three hits to the Victory while also walking only one. Owl struck out seven.

Carp 6 Blackburn 3

The 1-0 win moved Carp on to a 7:00 PM match-up with the Blackburn Bombers. The Bombers’ team is made up of some of the top players from the Blackburn Men’s Fastball League. Ray Shanoush started on the mound for Blackburn in this game while Carp countered with Cooke. In the bottom of the first, Joe Allan started off with a single for Blackburn and advanced to third on a Kevin Shonfield single. Then after back to back strikeouts of big Steve Walman and pitcher/designated player, Shannon Borho, a sharp hit off the bat of speedy Terry Jones lead to an error on the throw from Gourgon at short allowing Allan to score and make it 1-0 Blackburn.

In the top of the second, Matt McNish of Carp reached on an error and advanced to second on a Darren Featherstone single. After Gourgon laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move the runners up 60 feet, Read hit a ground ball to short and McNish broke for home to score Carp’s first run of the game. Carp added three more in the third to take a commanding 4-1 lead. Wood led off with a single and was out at second on a fielder’s choice with Money now standing at first. After Shawn Houle grounded out to short, Money advanced to second. Steve McLaughlin then reached first on an errant throw from Blackburn third baseman, Tyler Cox allowing Money to score from second. After McLaughlin was replaced by pinch runner Russ Mitchell, McNish stepped up and hit a towering blast to left field that cleared the fences plating two more runs. Carp added another run in the fourth and sixth innings before Blackburn tried to mount a comeback in the seventh. Featherstone had come in to relieve Cooke and despite a couple of walks and passed balls and a run scored, he managed to shut the door and struck out the side to end the game. Cooke combined with Featherstone for 15 strikeouts in the game and got the win to go 1-1 in the tournament while Shanoush suffered the loss with relief from Borho and the Bombers were eliminated.

Waterdown 5 Carp 0

The victory by the Victory lead to a showdown with 20th ranked Waterdown Hammer on Sunday morning. While the intensity was clearly there for the second year ISC II team, the breaks just did not go its way. I4C was just not able to get things going at the plate at the right time and lost the game 5-0. Hargrove had the start in this game and went three up, three down in the first two innings before giving up a lead off single to Joe Reeve in the top of the third. A passed ball moved Reeve to second but a strikeout of Dave Benallick and a fly out to leftfield by designated player, Drew Hathaway had the appearance of another quick inning for the young right hander. However, that would all change when lead off hitter Dave Brownhill, of the Hammer hit a ball in the gap between centre and leftfield. A great diving attempt by Money just failed and the ball rolled past him to the deep fences at Bowes Park. Wood tracked the ball down at the fence but the speedy Brownhill rounded the bases for an inside the park home run.

Errors cost the Victory in the fifth when Waterdown scored three more. With one out, Brownhill doubled and moved to third when Dave Kingdon reached on an error. A hard shot down the third baseline had Read thinking about doubling Brownhill off at second and the ball got away from him. Tim Coe then hit a sacrifice fly to centre scoring Brownhill from third. That was followed by a triple off the bat of Kyle Davis and he scored when John Kemp hit a ball into the hole at short and the throw from Gourgon sailed over the fence on the first base side of the field. Hargrove took the loss for Carp going 1-1 while Cooke came in to relieve him for the last two innings.

At the plate on the weekend, Featherstone lead the way going 6-12 (.500) while Gourgon was 4-9 (.444) with a sacrifice and a stolen base and Wood was 3-7 (.429) with an RBI and two runs scored.

The pitching performances for Carp were outstanding. Cooke was 1-1 and pitched 13 innings giving up all of one earned run for a measly ERA of 0.53 with two walks and 17 strikeouts. Hargrove was also 1-1 and pitched 14 innings. He allowed only two earned runs and had an era of 1.00 with three walks and 13 strikeouts.

The Victory’s next game is Wednesday, June 27th when they face the ISC II Qualifier champions, Team Easton Thunder at 8:30PM at Alexander Grove Park in Stittsville. The team’s next home game is this Thursday when Carp plays the Quyon Flyers, the fourth place team at the ISC II Qualifier. Game time is 8:30 PM at the Carp Fairgrounds. Admission to all games is free.

WC Electric in Sydenham

A very disappointing result for WC Electric, who had hoped to get another berth this year at the ToC in Kitchener.

Scarborough Wolverines 3 Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric 2 (9 innings)

Great pitching on both sides meant that two extra innings were needed to settle this one.

WC Electric took advantage of two bunt singles to lead off the game to score the opening run of the game in the top of the first inning. Jon Daley and Trevor Barton both reached base on bunts and Daley scored on a passed ball. Scarborough tied the game in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Ryan Jones that scored Dale Boadway, who had singled and moved into scoring position on an outfield error.

Fitzroy again went ahead in the second inning on an RBI single by Steve Johnson that scored Neil Murphy who had doubled to right field to reach base.

In the fifth inning Scarborough took advantage of a lead off walk and an error that allowed Brandon Horn to move into scoring position for an RBI single to rightcentre field by Nick Dambrosio. In the bottom of the seventh inning Scarborough loaded the bases with no one out, but were retired on three consecutive fielder's choices hit to the third baseman - incredible response to pressure by pitcher Brad Porter and third baseman Shawn Rebertz.

The game went to the international tiebreaker in the eighth inning. WC Electric moved the runner to third, but stranded Steve Johnson there in their half. In the Scarborough half of the inning, Porter came through with two big strike outs. The Wolverines tried to catch the 'Trics napping and sent their runner to third on a steal, but catcher Johnson threw a bullet to Rebertz to get the runner stealing.

Despite having great momentum, WC Electric could again not get the run across in the ninth.
Scarborough took advantage in the bottom of the inning with Ryan Freedman hitting the game winning RBI single to left field to score Stephen Mills, who started the inning at second base as per the overtime rule.

For WC Electric Brad Porter pitched extremely well. A couple of untimely errors an inability to get a clutch hit cost Fitzroy this game.

Pitching:
WP: Andrew Putnam (Relief) 4IP 1H 0BB 7K 0ER 0UER 0 HBP
Matt Leahy (Starter) 5IP 4H 1BB 10K 2ER 0UER 0HBP

LP: Brad Porter 8+IP 8H 1BB 10K 1ER 2UER 0HBP

Hitting:
Scarborough Wolverines
Brandon Horn 2/4 R
Dale Boadway 2/4 R
Ryan Jones 2/4 RBI

WC Electric
Jon Daley 1/4 R
Neil Murphy 1/3 R 2B
Steve Johnson 1/2 RBI SB BB

Blackburn Bombers 5 Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric 2

WC Electric came out very flat on this one. Trying to ride Brad Porter's arm after Friday's game, WC started the right-hander again, but he unfortunately lasted less than two innings until being relieved by Bud Hanlon. Ray Shanoush, a Cree native from Northern Quebec that was picked up by the Blackburn team got the pitching win.

Blackburn struck first with three runs in the second inning. Terry Jones led off with a single. In the attempted sac bunt to move Jones, Stefan Sklepowicz reached base when the throw deflected off his back into right field. Jones scored on the play. Anil Hayne then reached base with a hit. After a strikeout, Norm Manns came through with a clutch triple to the fence that cashed two more runs and put Blackburn up 3-0. Bud Hanlon then came in to pitch for Porter and registered the final two outs.

WC Electric responded with a run in the fifth, as Neil Murphy led off with his second double of the tournament, was move to third on a sac bunt by Steve Johnson, and was cashed when Todd Clouthier hit a bunt single.

Blackburn immediately restored their 3 run lead in the top of the sixth, as Terry Jones hit his second single of the game, was moved to second on a Sklepowicz bunt and cashed by a Anil Hayne RBI single.

An additional insurance run in the seventh for Blackburn made the score 5-1, when the speedy Joe Allan hit an inside the park home run.

WC Electric got one run back in the seventh when Steve Johnson singled and scored on a subsequent error in the outfield, but that was all as Blackburn won the game 5-2.

Pitching
Ray Shanoush (win) 7IP, 2R, 1ER, 5H, 10K, 1BB

Brad Porter (loss) 1.1IP, 3R, 2ER, 4H, 2K, 0BB
Bud Hanlon (relief) 5.2IP, 2R, 2ER, 5H, 5K, 0BB

Hitting
Blackburn Bombers
Joe Allan 1/4 HR (inside park)
Steve Walman 2/3
Terry Jones 2/3 2R
Anil Hayne 2/3, RBI, R
Norm Manns 1/3, Triple, 2RBI

WC Electric
Mike Cavanagh 2/3
Neil Murphy 1/3 Double, R
Steve Johnson 1/2 R, sac bunt
Todd Clouthier 1/3 RBI

List of results for Sydenham qualifier

Friday

Enterprise 2 I4C Victory Carp 0

Ottawa Valley 3 Blackburn Bombers 2

Kingston Cowboys 4 Northern Explorers 0

Scarborough Wolverines 3 Fitzroy Harbour 2 - 9 innings

Saturday

Ottawa Team Easton 3 Enterprise 1

Quyon Flyers 7 Scarborough 1

Waterdown Hammer 8 Ottawa Valley Raiders 0 - 5 innings

Donnaconna Blue Sox 3 Kingston Cowboys 0

Carp I4C Victory 1 Northern Explorers 0 (Explorers eliminated)

Blackburn Bombers 5 Fitzroy Harbour 2 (Fitzroy Harbour eliminated)

Kingston Cowboys 1 Enterprise 0 (Enterprise eliminated)

Scarboro 6 Ottawa Valley 2 (Ottawa Valley eliminated)

Ottawa Team Easton 6 Quyon 0

Donnacona Blue Sox 4 Waterdown Hammer 1 - 9 innings

Carp 6 Blackburn 3 (Blackburn eliminated)

Scarboro 1 Kingston 0 (Kingston eliminated)

Ottawa Team Easton 6 Donnacona 1 (Winners' Bracket final)

Sunday

Waterdown 5 Carp 0 (Carp eliminated)

Quyon 4 Scarboro 0 - 8 innings (Scarborough eliminated)

Waterdown 7 Quyon 0 (Quyon eliminated)

Donnacona 3 Waterdown 2 (Losers' Bracket final) (Waterdown eliminated)

Ottawa Team Easton 9 Donnacona 0 - 5 innings (Championship Game)

RA League standings

Here are the RA League standings at the halfway mark of the season:

As of Sunday JUN 24 2007

VALLEY RAIDERS 10GP 7-3
ORLEANS REBELS 10GP 6-4
SHAWVILLE SNAPPERS 9GP 5-4
TEAM #6 11GP 4-7
ED TAYLOR'S TEAM 10GP 3-7

Some thoughts from the Sydenham tourney

From a personal point of view, my opinions on the Sydenham tournament. Feel free to add your comments if you would like to add anything. Please include your name if you want it posted.

• While a nice location with the two diamonds side-by-side, the field conditions really were not that good. Warning tracks full of grass, infields a bit rough and the outfields pretty bumpy. We only played on the second diamond, but I'm not sure the first diamond was any better.
• Not sure why, but we used the Dream Seams which were the softballs from last year. I had thought we were using the new K-Master 120s which the GOFL uses in league play, but instead we used the mushier Dream Seams.
• The diamonds in Sydenham are very deep. Over 260ft to centre, and over 240ft to the corners, with 8ft fences. Of course I'm used to the short porch in Fitzroy, but these diamonds combined with the mushy balls meant that anything to the gap was a triple. Lots of triples on the weekend, but I am only aware of one homer that cleared the fences all tourney, though there may have been a few more.
• Having the first diamond scoreboard fired up was a nice touch.
• No announcing at either diamond was disappointing. A public address system, at least for the first diamond, doesn't seem like too much to ask.
• Crowds not too bad on Friday and Saturday. It was tough to get a parking spot! Lots of folks stuck around to watch our nine inning game on Friday night. Not too sure how many people showed up on Sunday since when you go 0-2 and BBQ it's best just to get the hell out of town.
• If losing a nine inning marathon that we should have won against Scarborough was enough of a disappointment Friday night, how about the beer garden running out of ale? Yip the beer garden had no beer left for us after our first game. BOOOOOOO. Thankfully, some of the guys had some extra Pepsis in their trunk, so we were able to enjoy a parking lot refreshment, but come on that is weak.
• On the topic of the beer garden, $3 a pint I thought was pretty reasonable. So then why were some teams chugging beer in the parking lot and not supporting the tourney? WEAK. I know our team dropped a pile of money in the beer garden while a local team that got beat out on Saturday sponsored by a pool company sat around in the wide open in the lot chugging their own beer. That's not cool - if teams don't support the concessions, these things don't make money, and if that pattern continues, then there are no more tourneys to go into. BOOOOO on teams not going to the beer garden, at least for one or two.
• I thought Adam Lake from the Cowboys worked hard to make this tourney happen. He was hard to miss running all around the complex all weekend. Didn't seem like he had a lot of help from his Kingston teammates, but good for Adam in keeping the bracket board updated with both tourney scores, and for generally pulling this thing off well. (Has anyone else noticed a passing resemblance between Adam and the Kingston Cowboys "muscle ball wearing a cowboy hat" logo? Perhaps he was the inspiration for the design?)
• The draw was a just a tiny bit interesting as to who got byes. The bye certainly paid off for each team, as the top 4 teams in the tourney were all recipients of first round byes.
• Teams performed as expected: Top ranked Easton ran the table as they did last year and looked good with all three throwers (Bradley, Murphy and Konkle) getting work. Second ranked Waterdown looked good as well, finishing a strong third. Carp was ranked 5th going in and in finishing tied for fifth had a good tourney despite losing their first game - and who knows, may have an outside shot at at ToC bid.
• Teams that did better than expected: Donnaconna impressed. I think they were a bit of a darkhorse coming in and they did very well finishing second and beating all their opponents except for Easton. Francis Leclair, a skinny kid with glasses but a great arm, threw very well. Word I heard now is that they will take their berth, but if Leclair is unavailable due to the Junior Nationals, I'm not sure how they will fare at the ToC. Quyon had some help from the bye, but beat a tough Scarborough team twice to finish fourth. I hope these guys get a bye to the ToC, they are a good young team and a great bunch of lads.
• Teams that disappointed: Kingston can't be happy with not making it to Sunday despite being host team and being ranked 4th going in. I thought they would be in contention for sure, but their chances for getting a berth are now very slim at best. Scarborough, with many players from the finalists at Junior Nationals last year, came in as the third ranked team in the tourney, and brought an army of 18 guys and 2 coaches, but ended up finishing tied for fifth, losing twice to Quyon. Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric should have beat Scarborough in their first game, then completely choked against Blackburn - a huge disappointment for a team that got an invite to the ToC last year.
• I am not too familiar with the teams in the southern/western part of Ontario, but I can tell you the Wyevale and Bucktown finishing 1-2 is a huge upset. Highly favoured Elora ranked #2 in North America ended up going 0-2 and BBQ! The eastern qualifier by comparison was a lot more predictable.
• And finally, what is with these guys wearing #69 for a jersey number? Yeesh. Back to slo-pitch boys if you are going to wear that. Trust me, even the chicks in Friday night mixed three pitch think that's weak.

Anyway, happy to hear anyone's opinion on the above. Leave a comment and include your name.

Final Order of Finish at Sydenham ToC

Final Order of finish at the Sydenham ISC II qualifier this past weekend:

1. Ottawa Team Easton 4-0
2. Donnaconna Blue Sox 3-2
3. Waterdown Hammer 3-2
4. Quyon Flyers 2-2
5. Scarborough Wolverines 3-2
6. Carp I4C Victory 2-2
7. Kingston Cowboys 2-2
8. Blackburn Bombers 1-2
T9. Enterprise Oasis Pools 1-2
T9. Ottawa Valley Raiders 1-2
T11. Northern Explorers 0-2
T11. Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric 0-2

Attention RA League Ball Players

The word on the street is that several RA League ball players have received parking warnings when parking at the Zellers location.

Don't park there - you might get a ticket!

ISC II qualifier - facts, rumours from Sydenham UPDATED

Some information from the qualifier from Sydenham this weekend. Keep reading until the bottom!

Facts:

• WC Electric (0-2), Valley Raiders (1-2) and Blackburn (1-2) all failed to make it to Sunday.
• Team Easton defeated Enterprise, Quyon and then Donnaconna in the winner's bracket final to get the 3pm berth in the final. Easton is guaranteed an invite to the ToC in Kitchener as then can finish no lower than second. Not sure how they did or who they played in the final. UPDATE: Team Easton won the tourney for the third straight year, defeating Donnaconna 9-0 in five innings in the final.
• Carp I4C Victory made it Sunday, finishing tied for 5th with a 2-2 record. I4C lost to Enterprise, then beat Northern Explorers, then beat Blackburn, losing to Waterdown early on Sunday.
• Quyon also made it to Sunday, finishing fourth with help from their bye and a 2-2 record. Quyon defeated Scarborough, lost to Easton, beat Scarborough again then lost to Waterdown.
• Waterdown was playing Donnaconna for the right to play Easton in the final. Not sure who won this. UPDATE: Donnaconna beat Waterdown 3-2 to make it to the final.
• Other teams playing that didn't make it to Sunday were the Northern Explorers (0-2) a native team from northern Ontario, Kingston Cowboys (2-2) and Enterprise Oasis Pools (1-2).
• Word from fitzroyfastball's spies at the diamond on Sunday was that Quyon and Scarborough got into a bench clearing brawl in their second game. I wasn't there to witness it, but the story goes that the game was tied after seven. Then Quyon went up 4-0 in the top of the eighth. A subsequent play at the plate had Joran Graham of Quyon bowl over the Scarborough catcher at the dish, and tempers flared and the benches cleared. Apparently the game was ended, and Quyon awarded the win. However, Graham was suspended for the next game against Waterdown, which the Flyers then lost.

Rumour:

• Some were saying that Scarborough and Donnaconna (Quebec City) are both essentially Junior teams that are going to the Canadian Junior Nationals. Some were saying that even if they are offered berths for Kitchener, they would not go. This means that Quyon would have a very good chance at getting an invite, and Carp also has an outside shot at getting a call for the ToC.

Easton suffers first defeat of the season in 6-0 loss to Orleans

Chad Hargrove threw a two-hitter in leading the Gators to a 6-0 win over Team Easton on Thursday night in Orleans.

Kyle Olson pitched well, taking the loss for Easton.

Manotick splits double header Wednesday night

Manotick Lomor Printers lost to the Ottawa Blitz 5-3 (Blitzos' first ever GOFL win) in the first game of their doubleheader last night in Manotick, then defeated Quyon Flyers 8-7 in the second game of their double dip.

Story from Tony Riches

Ottawa Blitz 5 Manotick Lomor Printers 3

Manotick scored first, in the 4th when Adam Bickell singled, stole second and scored on a Steve Walman single. Jason Smith started and was throwing well for 5 innings but tired in the 6th. The Blitz got 3 runs in that inning on 3 triples and a single. The Printers came back to tie it on a Walman homer and a Lindsay Medynski RBI single. The Blitzos replied with 2 more in the 7th and held on for the win.

Manotick hitting;

Steve Edgerton 2-4, 2B, SB
Adam Bickell 2-2, R, SB, BB
Steve Walman 2-4, HR, 2 RBI

pitching;

Jason Smith 7IP, 11H, 5ER, 13K, 1BB

Manotick Lomor Printers 8 Quyon Flyers 7

It was a 6-6 tie after 2 innings before a fastball game broke out and quieted things. The 2 teams combined to send 17 men to the plate in the second inning with Manotick batting around.

Trevor Lahey came in to relieve Shannon Borho in the second for the Printers. Joran Graham threw a complete game for the Flyers.

Manotick took the lead in the fifth on a Steve Walman triple and an RBI groundout. Quyon tied it in the top of the 7th after Joe McCleary got his 3rd hit of the night, a double, and was driven in by pitcher Joran Graham. The Printers loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 7th and won the game when Calvin Medynski singled through a drawn in infield to score Adam Bickell. 8-7 final.

Manotick hitting;

Steve Walman 2-2 2B, 3B, 2-BB, R
Adam Bickell 2-3, 2B, BB, 3R
Steve Edgerton 2-3, R

pitching;

Shannon Borho 1 2/3 IP, 6H, 6ER 3K, 2BB
Trevor Lahey 5 1/3 IP, 4H, 1ER, 7K

Stittsville edges WC Electric 3-2 - with story

Stittsville 56ers came back to defeat Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric 3-2 in Stittsville on Wednesday night.

Dan Bradley had the win for the 56ers, while Bud Hanlon took the loss for the 'Trics in relief of Brad Porter.

WC Electric scored their runs in the top of the first, with two out. Todd Clouthier legged out an infield single. With the hit and run on, Shawn Rebertz stroked a single, and runners were on the corners. After Rebertz stole second, Neil Murphy struck out - but the third strike was dropped and Murphy reached safely as Clouthier scored. Troy Wilson then reached on an error and Rebertz scored to make the score 2-0.

Stittsville responded in the bottom of the first. John Craig hit a single and was moved to second base on a Scott Parson's sac bunt. Darren Featherstone then hit an infield single and runners were on first and second. Ryan Bond came to the plate and hit a deep one to right, moving Craig to third on the fly ball. But the relay in from the outfield was misplayed, and Craig scored from third to put the score at 2-1 for WC.

WC Electric threatened in the top of the second, as Jason Armstrong hit a one-out single. Adam Brown then laid down a sac bunt which was misplayed putting runners on the corners. Then the speedy Brown (ha ha) stole second. With Jon Daley at the plate, Bradley threw a wild pitch that eluded Stittsville catcher Scott Jessiman. Armstrong took off for home, but a Stittsville bounce off the backstop meant that Jessiman quickly scooped the ball and tagged the WC Electric player.

The 56ers tied the game in the bottom of the fourth when Bud Hanlon came in to relief Brad Porter. Scott Jessiman hit a lead off single and was moved to second on a Dan Bradley sac bunt. Rob Rattray hit a clutch two out single, his second of the game, for an RBI.

Stittsville scored the winning run in the bottom of the fifth. John Craig led off with a slow roller to short that was misplayed. Craig stole second base, then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Then when a Hanlon pitch eluded 'Trics catcher Troy Wilson, Craig made a motion toward home and stopped. However, when Wilson threw the ball to the covering Hanlon, the throw was errant and Craig came in to score his second run of the game.

This proved to be the winning run as the game ended Stittsville 3, WC Electric 2.

Pitching:

Dan Bradley - Win - 7IP, 2R, 0ER, 5H, 10K, 0BB

Brad Porter - start (nd) - 3IP, 1R, 0ER, 3H, 2K, 1BB
Bud Hanlon - Loss - 3IP, 2R, 1ER, 3H, 4K, 0BB

Hitting:

Stittsville:

John Craig 1-3, 2 runs scored, stolen base
Scott Parsons 1-2, sac bunt
Darren Featherstone 1-3
Scott Jessiman 1-3, run scored
Rob Rattray 2-2, RBI

WC Electric:

Todd Clouthier 2-3, two stolen bases, run scored
Shawn Rebertz 2-3, run scored
Jason Armstrong 1-3

Ottawa Blitz notch first ever GOFL victory

Blitz defeated Manotick 5-3 to notch their first GOFL victory in Manotick on Wednesday night.

Jamie Blakely had the win for the Blitz.

Jason Smith took the loss for Manotick.

More details to follow.

Quyon defeats Carp 8-0

Carp I4C Victory Hammered 8-0 by Quyon Flyers
Paul Ceppi leaves after two innings with hip injury
from Shawn Williams

After having a successful 3-0 day in Quyon at the Greater Ottawa Fastball League (GOFL) Showcase day in Quyon on June 2nd, the confines of the Quyon Fairgrounds ballpark were not as friendly to the Carp I4C Victory on Tuesday night. Carp was defeated 8-0 by the Quyon Flyers in what was probably the worst outing for the Victory this season.

Quyon got out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on the strength of three Carp errors. Shawn Laframboise walked and when Big Joe McCleary hit a comebacker to Carp starting pitcher, Paul Ceppi (3-2), the lanky right hander turned and threw the ball into centrefield allowing Laftramboise to move up to third. Then with McCleary attempting to steal second, the throw down was cut off and after a quick run down attempt of McCleary, Laframboise was caught off of third, however, the throw home from Steve McLaughlin was in the dirt and Laframboise scored with McCleary moving to second. Then Nick Armitage reached on an error scoring McCleary form second.

After a three up, three down inning for Quyon in the second, Ceppi left the game with a nagging hip injury. Trevor Wood started the third in relief and promptly walked lead off hitter, Dennis McCleary. With one out, Joe McCleary doubled to score brother Dennis and then Joran Graham hit a monster home run to centre to bring in Big Joe. Armitage reached base for the second time by stroking a double and after Matt Greer struck out, Steve McCord hit a double to score Armitage. Quyon scored two more in the bottom of the sixth highlighted by a Matt Greer home run and the final score was 8-0.

Carp could just not get anything going on offense despite a lead off double by Brooks Paziuk in the top of the second and runners at second and third with one out in the third. Carp left six runners in scoring position on the night.

For Quyon, Graham was 1-3 with a home run and two RBIs and a run scored. Joe McCleary was 1-2, reached on a fielder’s choice and scored two runs. Quyon left two runners on.

For Carp, Gourgon was 1-2, reached on an error and stole a base. Paziuk and McLaughlin were each 1-3 with a double. Carp left seven runners on.

On the mound for Quyon, Greer went the distance for the win, throwing seven complete innings. He gave up no runs on four hits, walked one, struck out two and had one wild pitch. Quyon committed two errors.

For Carp, Ceppi had the loss, throwing two innings, giving up two unearned runs, no hits, one walk and he struck out three. In relief, Wood gave up six runs, all earned on six hits, he walked two and struck out five. Carp made three errors.

After the ISC II Qualifier this weekend, Carp returns to regular season play on Wednesday, June 27th when they play Ottawa Team Easton Thunder at 8:30 PM in Stittsville and then have a return match with Quyon on Thursday, June 28th at the Carp Fairgrounds with an 8:30 PM start. Admission to all games is free.

GOFL schedule updates

Game 7, a make up game schedule for Thursday June 21, Carp vs. Stittsville has been postponed. Carp has some injuries and wants to rest for the ISC Tourney this weekend. Make up date to be announced.

Games 30 and 37 will tentatively be played as a doubleheader in Stittsville on Sunday July 22 (2pm / 4pm), with the Blitz and Lomor Printers playing a game each versus Stittsville.

Game 21 between WC Electric and Team Easton needs to be made up - the teams are going to try and find a date to bring a GOFL league game to the fastball fans in Pakenham.

Team Easton pummels WC Electric 9-0

WC Electric's four game undefeated streak in GOFL play came to an abrupt halt last night, as Team Easton put a 9-0 beat down on the 'Trics in Fitzroy Harbour on Tuesday night, in a five inning game.

Things started poorly right away, as Dave Tubman hit the second pitch of the game from WC starter Bud Hanlon out for a solo HR over the centrefield fence. Easton scored a total of seven in the first, as Hanlon was relieved by Brad Porter. Pat O'Connor had a double, Chad Milne had a single and an RBI, Dan Konkle had a double and two RBIs, and Dave Tubman had a solo HR and a two RBI double, all in the first inning.

Easton added to their run total with a Randy Peck solo HR in the second, and Todd Fraser scored on a Chad Milne single in the fourth.

Troy Wilson came on to pitch the fifth for the home side. Easton was retired three up three down due to a nice 5-4-3 double play executed by WC Electric.

Pitching:

Dan Konkle (W) 5IP, 0R, 3H, 0BB, 8K

Bud Hanlon (L) 0.1IP, 3R, 4ER, 3H, 0BB, 0K, 1HPB
Brad Porter 3.2IP, 6R, 2ER, 7H, 1BB, 6K
Troy Wilson 1IP, 0R, 0H, 0BB, 0K

Hitting:

Easton:
Dave Tubman 2-4, HR, double, 3RBI
Randy Peck 2-2, HR, HBP, RBI, 2 runs scored
Chad Milne 2-3, 2RBI, 2 runs scored
Dan Konkle 1-2, 2RBI, double, run scored

WC:
Trevor Barton 1-2
Neil Murphy 1-2
Todd Clouthier 1-2, stolen base

OASA looking for teams

Probably doesn't come as a huge surprise due to the issues some have had with the OASA in the last few years, but it seems that the Ontario Amateur Softball Association is having a tough time getting teams to sign up.

Note the extension of their registration deadline here.

Lyn Lightning lead Leeds League

(Say that headline 3 times quickly)

The Lyn Lightning are undefeated in North Leeds play this season, according the league's website: http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=nlmf

The new Smiths Falls Junior team won their first game of the season on June 3, defeating the Landsdown Longhorns 8-7.

Other teams in the league include the Greenbush Generals and defending champion Newboro Miners & Sappers who have some veteran players like Jeff Seed, Scott Rice, and Troy McLean.

ISC II June 15 Rankings - Easton and Carp in top 35

from the ISCfastpitch.com website:

June 15, 2007 – Top finishes at the highly regarded Snapper Shootout and the Mitchell tournaments vaulted Elora Wellington Brewers from 10th into a tie for second in the June 15 ISC II rankings. Elora finished in a dead heat with the 2005 ISC II Champion Elmira Cubs, who dropped the championship game to the Brewers in Mitchell, on the heels of a strong showing at the Woodstock Legends tournament.

Remaining atop the rankings for the second straight period are the Niagara Snappers. Making his highly anticipated debut in Snapper black & white at the Shootout was ISC II strikeout king Corey Costello and he didn't disappoint, leading the Snappers to the final game against Elora before it was rained out.

Moving up two spots to #4 are the California LumberKings, who have been giving fits to top-ranked ISC teams all season long. Rounding out the top five are the defending champion Tavistock Merchants who have played well, but haven't been able to put it all together just yet.
A total of 35 teams from across North America received at least one vote from the panel of 12 rankers.

Fitzroyfastball note: Team Easton stays at #9 in the rankings. Carp I4C Victory makes their first appearance on the rankings, tied at #33.

The five ranked teams appearing at the ISC II qualifier in Sydenham are highlighted.

1 Niagara, ON Snappers
2 Elora, ON Wellington Brewers
3 Elmira, ON Cubs
4 Bakersfield, CA Lumberkings
5 Tavistock, ON Merchants
6 Palermo, ON Athletics
7 Perkasie, PA Rise
8 Oswego, NY Cutro Professional Inspections
9 Ottawa, ON Team Easton Thunder
10 South Lebanon, PA TNT
11 Kitchener, ON Outlaws
12 Port Elgin, ON Blue Devils
13 Bridgeport, ON Braves
14 Wilkes-Barre, PA Keating's Fitness
15 Harriston, ON Mercury's
16 Glencoe, ON Astros
17 Harrisburg, PA PA Power
18 Ashland, OH Merchants
19 Hermann, MO Black Gold
20 Marshall, MI Rice Creek Lightning
21 Memphis, TN Posse
22 Mitchell, ON Mets
23 Alvinston, ON Indians
24 Waterdown, ON Hammer
25 Salinas, CA A-1 Taylor Farms
26 Appleton, WI The Bar of Appleton
27 Scarborough, ON Wolverines
28 Hamilton, ON Hawks
29 Wyevale, ON Tribe
30 Roscommon, MI Twisters
31 Kingston, ON Cowboys
32 Stockton, CA Italian Athletic Club
33 Frankenmuth, MI Tiffany's
34 Carp, ON I4C Victory
35 Shakespeare, ON Falcons

ISC II Qualifier rules

From Blair Setford

The top two teams in each tournament (Innerkip & Sydenham) will be awarded berths to the ToC. Additional invitations may be issued depending on berth availability in other regions.

Sydenham bracket available here: http://ghfl.ca/images/Sydenham_qualifier.pdf

Best of luck to everyone!

1. Rules will be governed by the current rule book of Softball Canada with the ISC Pitching Rule and the ISC bat standard.

2. The tournament format will be double elimination.

3. If a game cannot be completed on the same day due to weather or other factors, the game will continue form the point of the stoppage.

4. The mercy rule is a six-run differential after five or six innings.

5. Team lineup cards must be completed and returned to the game controller 30 minutes before the start of the game. Game balls will be released at that point.

6. A coin toss will determine the home team which will take the third-base bench, unless a team is already situated there.

7. In order to make the game more visually appealing, we ask that teams dress in contrasting coloured jerseys where possible. The home team shall have their choice of colour.

8. When the catcher is on base with two outs, he may be replaced by the second out of the current inning.

9. Only a protest on the interpretation of playing rules will be considered. A protest must be made at the time of the infraction - before the next pitch is delivered.

10. No infield practice will be allowed during the tournament.

11. The bracket board will be the official schedule.

12. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE ONLY PERMITTED DURING THE DESIGNATED TIMES IN THE BEER GARDEN AREA. ANY "TAILGATING" WILL RESULT IN EXPULSION FROM THE TOURNAMENT.

GCMFL tournament

from GCMFL.com

Congratulations to Local Heroes who defeated Murray's Refrigeration 7-5 in the "A" final, and to Medaglia Auto Imports who defeated Restore-All 7-2 in the "B" final.

The "A" semi between Joe Johnson Equipment Inc and Murray's Refrigeration went to extra innings, and the other between Local Heroes and Amsted was decided by a single run which was scored with two out in the top of the seventh.

To see individual game results, go to the Schedules section of the web site and select "2007 Tournament" as the Season.

Scott Jessiman (Murray's Refrigeration) won the home run derby on Saturday afternoon, hitting 5 home runs in 10 swings during the final round. Thanks to all who participated, and to Al Read (Restore-All) who organized the derby.

A big thanks to the Carp I4C Victory team from the Greater Ottawa Fastball League for running the BBQ behind diamond #1 on Saturday and Sunday, and to all of the players who helped out by looking after league equipment or picking up garbage.

Thanks also to David Boyle and his staff at The Broadway Bar & Grill for hosting our pub night on Friday, and to Labatts for the t-shirts and ball caps they donated.

Ottawa Blitz tournament

from Scott Dumouchel

The Ottawa Blitz Fastball is still looking for a couple teams to attend their 2nd Tournament July 27-29 at Carlington Park. Entry is $375/team guarranteed 3 games. Here's a list of Confirmed teams attending. Please contact Scott Dumouchel blitzfastball@hotmail.com, or 613-558-3532.

Ottawa Team Easton
Blackburn Bombers
St Leonard Express
Quyon Flyers
Carp I4C Victory
Central Fairbank Lumberjacks
Valley Raiders
LBB Electric
Scarborough Royals
Markham Majors
Teams Interested: Donnacona Blue Sox, Manotick Printers, Napanee Express

Quyon beats Orleans 6-0

from Jeff Langford

The Quyon Flyers visited Orleans on Saturday afternoon and came away with a victory defeating the Gators 6-0.

Orleans threatened in the bottom of the 4th, loading the bases with 1 out, but could not push a run across.

Quyon broke open a scoreless game with 6 runs in the 5th. Joe McCleary, Nick Armitage and Shawn Laframboise provided the key hits in the top of the 5th to give Quyon the lead.

Joran Graham got the win for Quyon with some relief from Matt Greer. Chad Hargrove took the loss for Orleans with some relief from Eric Lafleur.

Congrats to Sam Oliver

Congratulations to the Oliver family as a new Stittsville 56er was welcomed to the world..

The "stats": Matthew Oliver was 6lb 11oz and arrived at 6pm on Sunday June 17.

Throwing Bats - a message from the Umps

from Gary Callaghan

We have had a number of incidents recently reported regarding thrown bats - near misses and direct hits. Four situations have been reported in the last three weeks (there may be more - I only know what I know !!). This is happening in all calibers of ball adult and minor.

Sometimes it's intentional (which usually warrants an EJECTION !!). Sometimes it's accidental - as a result of the follow-through of a swing. This follow-through is equally dangerous - nobody is expecting it. The catcher gets hit in in the shins or higher; the umpire moving out to cover the play must dance around the 'missile' if he/she has the opportunity to do so.

For safety reasons - please control the bats.....many of our umpires will warn the FIRST TIME ....but will call the batter out for interference on subsequent occasions. Keep in mind a warning is not necessary.

GOFL updates

The GOFL standings and schedule have been updated as of Friday night.

The official statistician (aka Sam) is working on the update for the league stats, and hopefully will have the info updated as soon as he gets all the outstanding sheets sent in.

Good luck to the two expansion teams as Quyon and Orleans do battle this weekend in Orleans at 1:30PM on Saturday in what is supposed to be a well-attended game by local minor softballers.

Pembroke Pirates Girls Fastball

From the Pembroke Observer

Stittsville mercies Orleans 13-1

with info from Sam Oliver

Stittsville defeated the Gators 13-1 in five innings in Orleans on Thursday night.

Stittsville built up an 8 - 0 lead with no one out in the first on HR's by Ryan Bond, Darren Featherstone, and Scott Herriot.

The 56ers then scored 4 more in the 3rd on a Dan Jessiman Grand Slam HR, and added one in the 4th.

Orleans had a solo HR by Jordan Adams in the fifth to plate their only run.

Nic Bowman started for Orleans, was relieved by Kurtis Summers and he was relieved by Eric Lafleur.

Darren Featherstone had the win for Stittsville.

Another one run loss for Blitz - I4C Victory wins 1-0

Carp Wins 1-0 in Tight Ball Game
from Shawn Williams

On a beautiful night for fastball in Carp, it seemed like neither team wanted to stay very long as this one was over in a hurry. It took less than 90 minutes for the Carp I4C Victory to defeat the Ottawa Blitz by a score of 1-0.

For the Blitz, it was another frustrating one run loss for the second year team as it fell to 0-10 however, five of those losses have been by one run and another was by two.

The loss came despite a strong pitching performance from Jamie Blakely of the Blitz. Carp's Neil Cooke (3-1-1, 1 SV) was equally masterful on the mound. Both pitchers threw two-hitters and the only Carp run was unearned. Beside giving up only two hits, Blakely walked three and struck out nine. But it was another dominate performance by Carp's big right hander, who issued no walks on the night and struck out 12 Blitz batters, that kept Ottawa scoreless in this one.

The only run on the night was scored by Carp in the bottom of the first when with one out, Kyle Gourgon singled and stole second. Steve McLaughlin drew a walk and then Al Read beat out a bunt on a close play at first to load the bases. Then Brooks Paziuk reached on a fielder's choice as the throw home from Duane Bromely at first was mishandled by Blitz catcher, Scott Dumouchel allowing Gourgon to score from third. And that's all the offence there was in this game.

Cooke only allowed two base runners on the night and no Blitz batters reached past second. After a lead off single in the top of the third, Cooke retired the next 15 consecutive batters striking out nine of them, including retiring the side on strikeouts in the fifth.

Carp's next game is Tuesday when the Victory travel to Quyon to take on the Flyers. The young first year club is off to a great start at 5-3 and is lead by Joe McCleary and Matt Greer. Game time is 7:30 PM. Carp then plays a make-up game from May 16th on Thursday, June 21st against the Stittsville 56ers. This game will be played at a special time, starting at 6:15 PM at the Carp Fairgrounds. Because of diamond availability issues in Stittsville, this will be the 56ers home game.

The Victory are using both games next week as a tune-up for the ISC II Qualifier which will be held June 22-24th in Sydenham, Ontario, just north of Kingston. The top two teams from that tournament are guaranteed a berth in the ISC II Tournament of Champions to be held in Kitchener and Cambridge, Ontario from August 14-18th. Other at-large berths may also be awared from that tournament.

WC defeats Blitz 7-6 - game report

WC Electric jumped out to 6-0 lead on Wednesday night in Manotick, only to almost lose the game to the scrappy Blitzos. Final was 7-6 for the 'Trics. It wasn't exactly a defensive gem, as WC made five errors, and the Blitz made four.

b had the win for the visitors striking out 12, in relief of Jim Ryan. Derick Bulley withstood an early onslaught to throw the complete game for the Blitz striking out eight.

The first six batters that Fitzroy sent to the plate in the first inning all scored to stake out the early lead. Jon Daley struck out but reached base on a passed ball and stole second. Todd Clouthier then hit a bunt single to put runners on the corners. Clouthier then stole second with Mike Cavanagh at the plate. Cavanagh then hit a ground ball and the Blitz attempted the play at the plate but Daley was safe. As Clouthier went to third, a throw from home to third went into the outfield, scoring Clouthier and putting Cavanagh at second. Troy Wilson then hit a single and Neil Murphy a double, with each getting an RBI in the process. Steve Johnson reached on a walk, and Murphy and Johnson subsequent scored on a 2RBI single by Jason Armstrong. The Trics sent 11 hitters to the plate in the first and were up 6-0.

The Blitz then took advantage of some WC Electric errors to move the score to 6-3 after two. Errors on three consecutive batters, had Darron Barr and Gerry Sancartier scoring the first two runs. Jamie Blakely had a single to score Derrick Bulley to get the Blitz within three.

Bulley continued to silence the Trics bats after the big first, while the Trics put in Brad Porter to relief Jim Ryan for the third inning.

Blitz scored their fourth run in the bottom of the fourth when Derick Bulley hit his second single of the game and was cashed by a Scott Dumouchel RBI single.

Then the home team pulled within one, making the score 6-5 in the fifth. Jamie Blakely hit his second single of the game, followed by a Ron Hrcyak single. Blakely was thrown out at home on a sharp defensive play by second baseman Todd Clouthier, but Hrcyak scored later in the inning on a passed ball.

An important insurance run turned out to be the game winner for WC Electric on a costly Blitz error in the sixth. Daley hit a one-out single and was sacrificed to second by Clouthier. Mike Cavanagh then hit into what looked like a sure ground out, but the throw from short was misplayed, the ball went into the dugout and Daley scored to put the visitors up 7-5.

Porter struck out the first two Blitz batters in the bottom of the seventh, and had two strikes on Will Mood, when the Blitz #3 hitter stroked a line drive solo homer to right to put the Blitz within on. Porter struck out the next batter to finish on the game and preserve the WC win.

Pitchers:
Jim Ryan (start) 2IP, 3R, 0ER, 2H, 2K, 0BB
Brad Porter (win in relief) 5IP, 3R, 3ER, 5H, 12K, 0BB

Derick Bulley (loss) 7IP, 7R, 5ER, 8K, 2BB

Hitters:

WC Electric
Jon Daley 1-4, 2 runs scored, stolen base
Mike Cavanagh 1-4, RBI, run scored
Neil Murphy 1-3, double, walk, run scored
Jason Armstrong 1-4, 2 RBI

Blitz
Jamie Blakely 2-4, RBI
Will Mood 1-4, solo HR
Derick Bulley 2-3, 2 runs scored, RBI
Scott Dumouchel 1-3, RBI

The GOFL record is two.....

Maybe Pugger will be catching up soon, now that his career total is up to two ;)

Bobby Cox one ejection away from all-time record

GOFL make up games - updated

A few make up games to report for the GOFL.

Game 7, Carp vs. Stittsville, originally scheduled for May 16, will be made up on Thursday June 21 at 6:15 PM in Carp. Note that Stittsville will be home team for this game.

Game 38, Quyon vs. Manotick, originally scheduled for June 8, will be made up on Wednesday June 20 at 9PM in Manotick. The Printers will have double header that night as their game vs. the Blitz will be moved up to 7PM.

Game 33, Stittsville vs. Quyon, from the Showcase on June 2, will be made up as a part of a doubleheader between the two teams on Tuesday July 17 in Quyon. Games will be at 7PM and 9PM. Quyon will be home team for the original game scheduled that night, while the make up game is "flip for home" from the Showcase.

Game 9, WC Electric vs. Manotick, originally scheduled for May 16, will be made up on Wednesday July 11 at 9PM in Manotick. The Printers will have double header that night as their game vs. the Blitz will be moved up to 7PM.

Updated GOFL standings

Updated GOFL standings after Wednesday night games:

(W-L-T)

Carp I4C Victory 10GP 7-2-1 - 15 pts
Ottawa Team Easton 7GP 6-0-1 - 13 pts
Fitzroy Harbour WC Electric 10GP 5-4-1 - 11 pts
Quyon Flyers 8GP 5-3-0 - 10 pts
Orleans Gators 10GP 3-5-2 - 8 pts
Stittsville 56ers 6GP 2-2-2 - 6 pts
Manotick Lomor Printers 8GP 2-5-1 - 5 pts
Ottawa Blitz 9GP 0-9-0 - 0 pts

Manotick and Stittsville tie at 4

from Tony Riches

Manotick and Stittsville tied at 4-4 in GOFL play on Wednesday night in Manotick.

The game started off like it wouldn't last an hour, with the teams combining for 12 strikeouts in the first 2 innings. Manotick scored in the bottom of the second on an error. Stittsville scored in the 3rd on a walk, some wild pitches and a sac fly by John Craig.

Manotick got 2 runs in the 4th on an error, a John Lindsey triple and a Calvin Medynski single to take a 3-1 lead.

Stittsville replied with a big 6th inning, as Sam Oliver drove in Darren Featherstone to make it 3-2, then Darren Ladouceur hit a 2 out, 2 run homer to give the 56ers the 4-3 lead.

Manotick came back to tie it in the bottom half on a Steve Edgerton RBI single and seemed poised to take the lead with runners on the corners and no outs but Dan Bradley was able to escape the jam with no further damage.

Trevor Lahey got the start for Manotick and had relief from Shannon Borho.

Dan Bradley started for the 56ers, then was relieved by Darren Featherstone, with Bradley returning in the sixth.

Manotick hitters:

Don Cox 1-3 2B
John Lindsey 1-2, 3B, R, RBI
Trevor Power 1-1, R
Calvin Medysnki 1-3, R, RBI
Steve Edgerton 1-3, R

Manotick pitching:
Trevor Lahey 4IP 3H 1R 1BB 9K
Shannon Borho (tie) 3IP 2H 3R 2BB 2K

Team Easton over Orleans Gators 12-5

from Jeff Langford

Team Easton defeated the Orleans Gators 12-5 on Wednesday night in Stittsville. Orleans had a 5-3 lead going into the 5th on the strength of a 5 RBI performance from Chad Hargrove (2B, HR), but Team Easton took the lead back in the bottom of the 5th and added to it in the 6th. Dave Tubman, batting leadoff for Easton, went 3-3 (3B, HR, 1B) and scored 4 times. Dan Konkle had the win for Easton with 16 strikeouts and helped his own cause with a 3 run double. Chad Hargrove took the loss for Orleans with 10 strikeouts.

WC Electric / I4C Victory game story

Carp Loses See-Saw Battle with Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric 5-4
Victory Commit Six Errors on the Night

Things started off on the wrong foot for the Carp I4C Victory on Tuesday night in its game against Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric. A scheduling conflict with the Glen Cairn Men’s Fastball League had several Carp players racing from one diamond in Kanata all the way to Fitzroy Harbour. The ‘Trics had graciously allowed the game to start at 8:45 PM but even then the game was still delayed getting started and even required Carp Head Coach and General Manager Shawn Williams to make a substitution in the bottom of the first as he waited for a player to arrive who he had listed on the starting line-up.

However, even once all Carp players had arrive, the team was clearly not in sync. After going down in order in the top of the first, Carp’s defence was shaky off the start. Jon Daley started the game by reaching on an error and after being sacrificed to second he scored from there on a subsequent bunt and error which resulted in a huge collision at first between Carp second baseman, Pete Pettit and Mike Cavanagh of Fitzroy Harbour. The collision left Pettit dazed and he was removed form the game and replaced by Eric Rosenquist who went to left field with Russ Mitchell taking over for Pettit at second.

Carp mounted a comeback in the top of the fifth when Kyle Gourgon hit a single up the middle. He was out at second on an attempted sacrifice by Rosenquist who reached first on a fielder’s choice. Rosenquist stole second and Carp starting pitcher, Trevor Wood grounded out. Mitchell then walked. Then on a passed ball, Rosenquist and Mitchell moved up 60’ and were cashed in by a Brooks Paziuk double to make it 2-1 for Carp. Fitzroy Harbour Coach, Adam Brown then made a pitching change taking out starter Bud Hanlon and bringing in Brad Porter who retired the last out of the inning.

Fitzroy Harbour answered back in its half of the 5th when they started a two out rally. Trevor Barton reached on an error and stole second base on a close play that was hotly disputed by Carp. Mike Cavanagh then singled to score Barton and moved to second when Rosenquist bobbled the ball in left field. Shawn Rebertz then delivered and RBI single to make it 3-2 for the Harbour marking the end of the evening for Carp starter, Wood (2-0) who was replaced by Neil Cooke (2-1-1, 1 SV). Despite making an error on the first ball hit to him, Cooke struck out Steve “Beef” Johnson to end the inning and left two ‘Trics runners on base.

In the top of the sixth it was Carp’s turn to re-take the lead. Eric Colvin got his first hit of the year with a solid single and moved to second on a passed ball. Al Read then drove in Colvin with a double to the fence in centre and moved to third on a passed ball. He scored when he went off at the crack of the bat on a Kyle Gourgon ground ball to first and made a nice slide at home to score Carp’s fourth run of the game.

Then some fireworks erupted in the bottom of the sixth. Neil Murphy led off with a double before Cooke retired the next two batters bringing Jon Daley to the plate. Daley singled and scored Murphy from second. With Trevor Barton at the plate, Williams felt that Daley led off in his attempt to reach second base and protested loudly from the bench. There was no call from the base umpire. Then when Barton tripled to score Daley from second, Williams charged out of the dugout and onto the field to angrily protest what he felt was an obvious missed call and was ejected from the game for his efforts.

Mitchell attempted to ignite a Carp rally in the top of the seventh but after Porter struck out Paziuk and centerfielder, Mike Money, Colvin grounded into a fielder’s choice to end the game.

On the mound, Wood went 4 2/3 innings giving up three runs (one earned), on four hits he walked one and struck out two. Cooke threw 1 1/3 innings in relief and gave up two earned runs on three hits. He issued no walks and struck out two. Carp made six errors on the night, breaking the previous high of five set in the teams' first ever Greater Ottawa Fastball League (GOFL) game against the Manotick Lomor Printers in May, 2006.

For the Electrics, Hanlon started and had no decision in 4 2/3 innings of play. He gave up a two earned runs on three Carp hits, walked one and struck out four. In getting the win in relief, Porter threw 2 1/3 innings allowing two earned runs on three hits, he walked none and struck out four. Fitzroy Harbour made no errors.

Leading the offence for Carp was Gourgon who was 2-3 with an RBI and Paziuk who went 1-3 with a double and two RBI’s. Mitchell went 1-2 with a walk and a run scored. Carp left five runners aboard.

For Fitzroy Harbour, Daley reached base three times, on a single and two Carp errors and he scored twice. Barton was 1-1 with a triple, reached on an error, had two sacrifice bunts, stole a base, scored a run and had an RBI. Fitzroy left eight runners on.

Carp’s next home game is this Thursday night at 8:30 PM when the Victory takes on the Ottawa Blitz at 8:30 PM at the Carp Fairgrounds. Admission to all games is free.

WC Electric defeats I4C Victory 5-4

WC Electric beat Carp I4C Victory by a score of 5-4 on Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour.

More details to follow.

GOFL scheduling changes

Some changes, courtesy Tony Riches.

Game 42, tonight (Tuesday) Manotick at Quyon has been postponed due to player availability. Make up date to be determined.

Game 38, postponed June 6, will now be played on Weds June 20, Quyon at Manotick at 9PM. Game 50, Blitz vs. Manotick originally schedule for 8pm that same night will be moved to 7PM for a double header that night.

Team Easton Report from Grafton Jim Bradford Tourney

from Cory Morrison

Team Easton 6 VS Napanee Express Juniors 4

Napanee came out swinging off Easton starter Dan Bradley and opened up a 2-0 lead in the top of the1st. Easton cut the lead in half in the bottom of the 2nd as Scott Harriot doubled in Dan Jessiman from 2nd base. Easton tied the game in the bottom of 3 off a solo shot by Dave Tubman then took the lead 2 batters later with a solo shot off the bat of Cory Morrison. Easton added another run to go up 4-2. Napanee came right back to tie the score at 4 in the top of 4th but easton followed with 2 more run in the bottom of 5 to round out the scoring.

Team Easton 0 VS Peterborough Pro's 3

In a battle between the eventual finalist's Peterborough shut down Easton on the strength of a strong pitching performance by Pro's starter Bryan Brooks. Easton managed only a handfull of hits and some bad luck (or strong peterborough defence) squashed any rally hopes. Easton starter Jeff Murphy pitched a strong game scattering 7 hits to take the loss. Cory Brooks had a 2 run homer for the winners.

Team Easton 1 VS Peterborough Juniors 0

This game featured a great pitching dual between Easton starter Dan Konkle and a hard throwing right hander from Peterborough. The Peterborough starter struck out 8 of Easton's first 9 batters and ended with a strike out total in the high teens while Konkle pitched a no hitter and stuck out 18. The game's only run came in the top of the 5th as Dave Tubman walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch then was sacrificed to 3rd by Kevin Chevrier. Cory Morrison then hit a ball to deep center to score Tubman.

Team Easton 7 VS Valley Raiders 3

Easton was slow getting out of the gate in this one and trailed 2-1 heading into the 5th on the strength of a 2-run single off the bat of Chad Milne and a strong pitching performance by brother Jesse Milne. The raiders made a pitching change to start the 6th and that seemed to ignite the Easton bats as Scott Harriot hit a 3 run blast over center field fence and Darryl Buttars followed that up with a towering 2-run shot into the trees in left-center. Easton starter Dan Bradley pitched well getting the complete game victory.

Easton 10 VS Elkland PA 5

The easton bats were on fire to start this game as the first 5 batters in the line-up all plated to give Easton a 5-0 in the top of 1 with nobody out. Dave Tubman started it off with a double followed by a single up the middle by Kevin Chevrier. Dan Jessiman and Randy Peck both singled then Darryl Buttars hit another blast into the trees in left center. Elkland scored 1 in the bottom of the 2nd and starter Greg Garrity homered in the bottom of 3 to cut the lead to 5-2. The easton bats were bat at it again in the 4th as Dave Tubman hit a two-run shot over center field fence and Kevin Chevier joined the HR parade by hitting a line shot over the right field fence (His first since a towering blast over the trees behind center field fence in Fitzroy Harbour 2 years ago). With Easton up 9-2 heading into the bottom of the 4th and looking for the mercy the defense fell asleep allowing Elkland to plate 3 runs cutting the score to 9-5. Dan Konkle the Easton starter was replaced by Jeff Murphy who shut the door the rest of way putting Easton into the finals.

Easton 6 VS Peterborough Pro's 5

This was a much anticipated rematch that saw the lead change hands atleast 4 times. Easton jumped out to a 1-0 lead then Peterbough quickly erased that with two runs in the bottom of the 2nd to take a 2-1 lead. Easton knotted the score at 2 then the pro's added 2 more in the 4th to go up 4-2. The pro's starter was replaced by their ace Wayne Wells in the 5th and was greeted with a solo shot off the bat of Dave Tubman (his third of the tourny) Kevin Chevrier followed that up with a double then Darryl Buttars added a two run shot (also his third of the tourny) to give easton a 5-4 lead. After the pro's tied the score at 5 Easton would take the lead for good in the 6th as Jeff Murphy who replaced Dan Konkle reached base on an error then was was sacrificed to 2nd by Dave Tubman. Kevin Chevrier would then single to score murphy from second. In the bottom of the 7th Peterborough had the lead off hitter reach base on a walk then advanced to second on a pickoff attempt that went into right field. The runner was then sacrificed to 3rd. With 1 out Easton got Peterborough's 3rd hitter to line out to SS then caught the next batter looking on a called 3rd strike to end the game.

Carp I4C Victory at the Jim Bradford: Report

from Shawn Williams
Carp I4C Victory Goes 2-2 at Jim Bradford Classic Tournament in Grafton
Team Loses 2-0 in Semi-finals to Peterborough Rickart Pros

Ottawa Team Easton Thunder Wins Tournament with a 6-5 Victory over Peterborough in the Final.

Short a few bodies because of previous commitments, the Carp I4C Victory headed to Grafton, Ontario this past weekend to play in the Jim Bradford Classic. The tournament is named in memory of long-time Softball Ontario Instructor/Evaluator, Jim Bradford who was from the area.

With a field of ten teams, the Victory was in a division that included, Oshawa BB Jrs., Napanee Midgets, Peterborough Cavanagh Disposals with the legendary Darren Zack pitching for them on the weekend and Elkland, PA.

The round robin format had Carp facing off against Oshawa in its first game of the tournament. Paul Ceppi took to the mound for the start of the game and gave up one run in the top of the first before coming out of the game because of a nagging hip injury. He was replaced by Neil Cooke who completed the game. Carp responded in the bottom of the third with two runs to go on top 2-1, but in the top of the fifth, a home run by Matt Davis had Oshawa back in the lead, 3-2. Carp got one back in the bottom of the sixth when Matt McNish singled and was eventually driven in on a single off the bat of Mike Money who was 3-3 in the game. This set up a dramatic bottom of the seventh when Casey Poldervaart hit a pinch hit single and was then replaced by Joel Langford who re-entered the game. Kyle Gourgon sacrificed Langford to second and then he was driven in for the winning run on a single by Shawn Houle. Final score, 4-3 Carp.

In the second game of the day against the Napanee Express Midgets, one of the top Midget teams in Canada, the drama continued. Already up 2-0 after scoring two in the top of the first, the Express took a commanding 4-0 lead in the third when Ryan Wager hit a two out, two run blast. It looked as if Napanee was in complete control but I4C countered in the bottom of the fourth with three runs of its own to get back in the game highlighted by a two RBI double from Chad Hargrove. Napanee put one more on the board in the sixth to make the score 5-3 heading into the last inning. Then in the bottom of the seventh with Brooks in for Napanee starter, Luke Leahy, Poldervaart started the inning with a single and stole second base. After Langford popped out to second, Money singled to make the score 5-4 as Poldervaart came in to score. That was followed by a single from Kyle Gourgon putting runners on the corners. Steve McLaughlin struck out for the second out of the inning and then Matt McNish drew a walk to load the basis. Darren Featherstone, picked up by Carp from the Stittsville 56ers for the weekend, stepped to the plate and singled to score two more runs and make the final score 6-5 for Carp.

Carp went on to immediately play Peterborough Cavanagh Disposals led by Zack, the legendary fastball great. The combination of back to back games, the emotionally draining win over Napanee and being a little star struck facing a pitcher with Zack’s reputation led to a 1-0 loss for I4C and 15 strikeouts for “Big Zee”. Hargrove had a great experience facing Zack going 2-3 against the larger than life pitcher and Al Read hit a double however that was all the offence Carp could muster in this game.

Going into Sunday morning’s game against Elkland, Carp was guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals. Both Elkland and Carp would advance despite which team would win this game. With Greg Garrity pitching for Elkland, Carp never got on track. Elkland jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the first on a lead off walk issued by Hargrove to Brian Miller. That was followed by a well placed bunt that made its way into shallow left field putting runners at second and third. Then a single by Garrity scored two and an error in right field on a ball hit high and deep resulted in Garrity scoring all the way from first. A big home run off the bat of John Dry made it 5-0 for Elkland after three. Garrity ran into control problems in the fourth walking three in a row to start the inning with nobody out. Then after consecutive strikeouts, he walked Brooks Paziuk forcing in McLaughlin from third for Carp’s first run of the game. Carp threatened again in the sixth when with one out Gourgon singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Read then struck out, followed by a walk to Paziuk. A single by Langford scored Gourgon to make it 5-2 and with runners on the corners and two out, Money hit a ball to deep centre field but just not enough to take it out of the park and score three runs. The loss left Carp at 2-2 but good enough for second place in the B Pool and a trip to the semis.

In the semi-final game against the Peterborough Rickart Pros, who had finished first in Pool A, Wayne Wells took to the rubber. The veteran thrower was on his game and mowed down one Carp batter after another. For the second time this year, the Victory lost via a perfect game as Wells faced the minimum of 21 Carp batters, striking out 16. Neil Cooke threw a masterful game despite being tagged with the loss. The burly redheaded right hander gave up only four hits and one earned run while striking out eight.

Congratulations are in order for fellow league team, Ottawa Team Easton Thunder who won the tournament going 3-1 in the round robin and then defeated Elkland in the semi-final game and then finished with an exciting 6-5 win in the final over the Rickart Pros in a game that was back and forth and ended with a dramatic strikeout by Jeff Murphy of the Thunder with the tying run at third.

Carp’s next game is Tuesday, June 12th at 8:45 PM vs. Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electric. Please note the later start time for this game. Carp’s next home game is Thursday. June 14th versus last year’s expansion Greater Ottawa Fastball League (GOFL) cousins, the Ottawa Blitz. Game time is 8:30 PM at the Carp Fairgrounds. Admission to all games is free.

Team Easton wins Grafton Tournament

This just in from a mobile phone somewhere on the 401:

Ottawa Team Easton won the Jim Bradford Classic tournament topping the 10-team event held in Grafton this past weekend. Easton defeated Peterborough Pros in the final.

Peterborough Pros had defeated Carp I4C Victory 2-0 in the semi-finals with Wayne Wells throwing a no-hitter to reach the final.

I4C was 2-2 on the weekend, defeated the Oshawa Midgets, the Napanee Midgets and losing to Peterborough Cavanagh Disposals, who had the legendary Darren Zack throwing.

More to follow

Sydenham ISC II Qualifier draw now available

The full schedule for the Sydenham qualifier is now available online. The double knockout tournament features 12 teams and starts Friday June 22. Top two finishers are guaranteed a berth in Kitchener in August for the Tournament of Champions, with other possible berths available.

http://www.ghfl.ca/images/Sydenham_qualifier.pdf

WC Electric ties Orleans 3-3

On a night when it seemed like there would be no game, WC Electric and Orleans ended up playing to a 3-3 tie in Fitzroy Harbour on Friday night.

With the game scheduled at 8PM, the rain clouds came through Fitzroy and dumped a pile of water on the diamond. It looked like the game was a no go, however, with the help of several squeegees from the Fitzroy Fire Hall, the 'Trics got the field into game shape and the match started about 45 minutes late.

Jim Ryan got the start for WC Electric and Chad Hargrove started for the Gators.

Ryan threw well for the first inning, but then after walking two consective batters (Eric Lafleur and Brendan Werthner) with one out, JR injured himself in the middle of the second. Bud Hanlon came into throw for WC Electric. With runners on first and second and one out, Hanlon threw a wild pitch, which was quickly fielded by Beef Johnson the Fitzroy catcher. With Werthner cheating off first, Johnson threw to first base, however with some WC players out of their normal positions due to a few 'Trics being unavailable for the evening, a run down ensued and no one covered second base. This resulted on runners on second and third. Brian Frieson then grounded out, cashing Lafleur for the first run of the game.

WC Electric took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Troy Wilson hit a one out single. Wilson advanced to second on a ground out. Neil Murphy then hit an RBI double scoring Wilson. Beef Johnson drew a walk and was replaced by Shawn Rebertz through the two-out catcher rule. Rebertz stole second, and with the throw to second base, Murphy scored, stealing home, to make the score 2-1.

Orleans tied the game up in the top of the fifth. Joel Langford led off with a solo home run to left field on what was actually a check swing to make the score 2-2.

The home side took a one run lead in the bottom of the sixth. Troy Wilson walked to lead off the inning. Wilson then advanced to second and third on wild pitches. Shawn Rebertz then cashed the run with an RBI sac fly to right field. Neil Murphy the reached base on an error and Beef Johnson singled, Hargrove shut down the next two batters to leave the score 3-2 after six.

In the top of the seventh, needing at least one run to keep the game going, the Gators managed a rally. Brian Frieson was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Nic Bowman then hit a single to centre field. Jon Daley scooped up the ball for WC and threw out Frieson as he tried to advance to third, for a big out. Joel Langford then legged out an infield single. Jordan Adams drew a walk, loading the bases with one out. After Matt Alkerton struck out, Chad Hargrove was at the plate for Orleans. With two out, bases loaded, and a 3-2 count, Hargrove drew a walk to score the tying run. Hanlon struck out Max Serre to prevent further damage.

Despite a one out Jon Daley single, WC Electric could not push a run across in the bottom of the seventh and the game ended in a 3-3 tie.

Orleans scored 3 runs on 4 hits made 1 error and left 8 on base.

WC Electric scored 3 runs on 5 hits made 1 error and left 6 on base.

Pitching:
Orleans
Chad Hargrove (Tie) 7IP, 3R, 3ER, 5H, 10K, 2BB, 1HBP
WC Electric
Jim Ryan 1.1IP, 0R, 1ER, 0H, 3K, 3BB
Bud Hanlon (Tie) 5.2IP, 3R, 2ER, 4H, 8K, 3BB, 1HBP

Hitting:
Orleans
Joel Langford 2-4, solo HR
Matt Alkerton 1-3, walk
Brian Frieson 0-1, walk, HBP, RBI
Nic Bowman 1-3, run scored

WC Electric
Jon Daley 1-3, HBP, stolen base
Trevor Barton 1-4, stolen base
Troy Wilson 1-3, walk, two runs scored
Neil Murphy 1-3, double, RBI, run scored
Beef Johnson 1-2, walk

I4C Victory wins 2-1 over Gators - full story, with injury update

Carp Wins Close Game Over Orleans, 2-1
Kevin McGuire Injured and Out for Undetermined Length of Time
from Shawn Williams

The Carp I4C Victory ran its winning string to four games last night with a 2-1 win over Chad Hargrove and the host Orleans Gators but in the process lost star shortstop and leading hitter, Kevin McGuire with an ankle injury. McGuire was taken to the hospital after injuring himself while sliding into home. McGuire has a broken ankle and could be out of the line-up for up to 10 weeks. He is expected to be in a cast for six weeks.

On a cool and breezy night, things started off well for Carp. McGuire led off with a triple and was followed by Shawn Houle. Houle hit a routine grounder but with the defence playing in, shortstop Jordan Adams was charging in and Carp Head Coach, Shawn Williams sent McGuire. It was a decision that Williams would later regret. McGuire lay on the ground for several minutes in obvious agony before being helped off the field. He was later driven to the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital where he was kept overnight and fitted with a cast on Friday morning.

Carp opened the scoring in the top of the fourth when Steve McLaughlin singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI double off the bat of Al Read. Orleans responded in the bottom of the third when it loaded the bases despite not getting a single hit. Brian Frieson lead off with a walk and advanced to second when Eric Lafleur reached first on a bunt that was mishandled by Carp starting pitcher, Neil Cooke (2-0-1, 1 SV). With one out, both runners moved up on a fake bunt steal. Then with a drawn in infield, Derek Bergeron grounded to Paul Ceppi at second. Ceppi threw home to a surprised Houle who was not able to hang onto the ball allowing Frieson to come in from third. However, on the play, Frieson did not touch home and on an appeal by Houle the home plate umpire ruled Frieson out for the second out of the inning with Bergeron now at second on the fielder's choice and an error charged to Houle. Lafleur advanced to third and the Gators still had two runners in scoring position. But the Gators could not score as Cooke managed to strike out Matt Bowman for the third out of the inning. It was one of 15 strikeouts for Cooke on the night.

In the top of the seventh, Carp managed to score an important insurance run when Mike Money led off with a single and was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Eric Rosenquist. That was followed by a shallow fly ball down the line in leftfield from Trevor Wood. Despite a great effort from Brandon Werthner to make the play it was just too far to come and the ball dropped in allowing Money to score from second.

The importance of Carp's second run was highlighted when Kurtis Summers started the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run to left. But it was Cooke's night as he managed to retire the next three Orleans batters in order for his second regular season league win.

On the mound for Carp, Cooke was dominant going the seven full innings and giving up one earned run on two hits. He struck out 15 and walked two. Carp made two errors. For the Gators, Hargrove went the distance giving up only two runs while scattering eight hits, striking out seven and walking one. He also had a wild pitch. Orleans had one error.

At the plate, for Carp, Read was 2-3 with a single, a double, an RBI and a stolen base. His average has now climbed to .364 in the regular season. Money and McLaughlin were both 1-3 and both scored a run on the night. Carp left five runners on base. For Orleans, Summers was 1-3 with a home run and an RBI. The Gators stranded four runners, three of them in scoring position.

The Victory is off to Grafton for the Jim Bradford Classic this weekend. Jim Bradford was an outstanding umpire and an Instructor/Evaluator in the Softball Ontario Umpire program. Jim was a teacher and a family man with values that befitted his quiet and calm demeanor. His sudden death several years ago was a tragic loss to his family and friends and the softball community. Williams had this to say about the man for whom the tournament is named, "I remember when I first met Jim in North Fredericksburgh at the OASA Junior Eliminations in 1986. I was a young, 24-year-old replacement umpire for that tournament and still learning how to officiate competitive ball. At first, Jim seemed to me like he was too perfect but that was because he worked so hard at being the best he could be at his chosen craft and he passed on his knowledge to other umpires. I used to laugh and think that when Jim punched someone out at the plate on a called third strike, he looked like John Travolta in that famous Saturday Night Fever pose. But that didn't matter. He was still a great technician and a teacher of the rules. He was always willing to talk ball with other officials at any level and he was a great listener. He took the time to hear what you had to say before offering up an opinion. The softball community and the communities from Cobourg, Grafton and the surrounding area greatly miss Jim."

The Victory have added Darren Featherstone from the Stittsville 56ers for this weekend and with the injury to McGuire have picked up Joel Langford from the Orleans Gators to provide some added depth and speed on the bases.

Carp's next game is Tuesday, June 12th when the victory travel down the road for another all West Carleton match-up with the Fitzroy Harbour West Carleton Electrics. Note that the game time has been switched to an 8:45 PM start. The Victory returns home on Thursday, June 14th to play the Ottawa Blitz. Game time is 8:30 PM and admission to all games is free.