Rockets are Ashton League champs

submitted by Mark

Rockets Reclaim Championship


ASHTON - After winning four consecutive Ashton Men’s Fastball Championship, followed by a 2 year Championship void the “Rockets” reclaimed the Cup last night with a 6 – 1 victory over the reigning champion Napa Shockers and a 2 -1 games victory in the best of five final. The Rockets took an early 1st inning 3 – 0 lead on back to back doubles by AJ Purdy and Rod (Hawk) Bowes, followed by singles by Fred Olmsted and Matt McKay. From that point the combined shutdown pitching (Shockers managed only 5 hits) of AJ Purdy and Matt McKay, and a flawless game defensively, the Rockets 5th Championship in 7 years was never in doubt. Rod Bowes provided the TSN Turning Point in the Game with a diving catch on a short flare behind 3rd base in the 5th with a runner at 2nd base and Fred Olmsted led off with a towering homerun to right/center to open the 6th inning to seal the championship victory. Johnny Olmsted plated the only run for the Shockers with a lead-off home run to center in the 7th inning off Matt McKay.

The series was not friendly to the home team with all games being won by the visiting team. Game 1 went to the Rockets (6 – 3), Game 2 saw the Shockers charge back into the series with a convincing 7 – 1 win leaving Game 3 to decide the winner and eventual Ashton Men’s Fastball Champion. The Ashton Farmers won the “B” side final with the same 2 games to 1 with their late game win over the Chuggers – the game was over early as the Farmers plated 8 runs in the first inning.

Thanks to all players, fans and the ladies in the Snack Bar for another successful season – see everyone again next year!

Rocket Team Members: Benny Lewis, Will Sample, AJ Purdy, Fred Olmsted, Steve Sheedy, Rod Bowes, Andy Bowes, Mark Camphaug, Corey Sample, Matt McKay, Jeff Faris, Jason Lee