GOFL Championship Round (updated)

Here is the schedule so far for the Greater Ottawa Fastball League championship round:

1. Kars Aces at Quyon Flyers, Tuesday August 30 at 8 pm in Quyon (Kars wins 5-3)
2. West Carleton Electric at Micksburg Twins, Wednesday September 7 at 8 pm in Micksburg
3. Kars Aces vs Winner of Game 2, Date  / location to be confirmed
4. Quyon Flyers vs Loser of Game 2, Date / location to be confirmed (loser eliminated)
5. Loser of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 4 (loser eliminated)
6. FINAL: Winner of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 5
7. If necessary game, if first loss by undefeated team in Game 6

Kars beats Quyon 5-3 in first game of GOFL Championship Round

The first game of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League Championship Round was played on Tuesday in Quyon with the visiting Kars Aces prevailing 5-3 over the hometown Flyers.

Luke Severson went the distance in getting the win for Kars. Matt Greer took the loss in relief of starter Drew Hathway for Quyon.

The Aces scored their first run in the top of the opening frame. Kristian Knapp walked and came around to score on a misplayed grounder.

The bottom of the first saw Shawn Laframboise single and Greer walk, but they ended up stranded on base.

In the second for Kars, Ian King tripled and scored on a hard hit grounder by Knapp to make it 2-0 for the vistors.

To start the bottom of the third the Flyers, Curtis Daley was hit by a pitch and Dennis McCleary reached on a error on his sac bunt. However, Severson got out of the inning with three straight pop ups.

The Flyers got on the board in the fourth. After Kars turned a double play, Steve McCord doubled and scored on Randy Peck's RBI single.

Knapp started off the fifth with a single. That was the end of Hathway's night on the slab as Greer came in from shortstop to throw. Cory Morrison then walked and Nick Ellis hit an infield single to load the bases with none out. Greer got the next batter out pitcher to catcher, and struck out the next two to keep the game at 2-1 for Kars.

Dennis McCleary singled to start the fifth for Quyon. Laframboise's sac bunt moved him to second and Greer's infield single put runners on the corners. A strike out and a pop up ended the inning with no runs,

Will Dunk hit a solo shot to left field to get Kars a run in the top of the sixth and make it 3-1.

The Aces extended the lead to 5-1 with a pair in the seventh. With one out, Ellis doubled and took third on a wild pitch. A walk to Danny Powers put runners on the corners. Ellis took home on wild pitch, and an RBI single by Milne scored Powers.

The home team made it interesting in the bottom of the seventh. Dennis McCleary walked, and Laframboise reached on an infield single. A ground out advanced the runners 60 feet. Joe McCleary's double scored his brother, but Laframboise was thrown out at the plate for the second out, and Joe advanced to third. With Greer in running for McCleary on the two out catcher rule, he scored when Armitage doubled to make it 5-3. Severson got the next batter to ground out and win the game for the Aces.

Kars advances to play the winner of the West Carleton - Micksburg game next week, while Quyon will play the losing team of that match up.

64th Annual Durk Sherman Classic Bracket now available (Elkland Labour Day)

The bracket is now available for the 64th Annual Durk Sherman Classic tournament to be held over Labour Day weekend in Elkland, PA. There are 13 teams participating in the three-game guarantee event, including West Carleton Electric and the Greenbush Generals from eastern Ontario.

Napanee Bantam Girls win Eastern Canadians

from John Serverson

The Napanee Bantam Girls rep team won the Eastern Canadian Championship this weekend in Moncton, NB. The beat the previously unbeaten Guelph Gators 7-4 in a 13 inning nail biter.

Lauren Daize from Stittsville went the distance. Other local players Kenzie Leonard (Stittsville) and Meg Severson (Domville). Other team members, Jordan Mumby, Maddy Brant, Ally and Jen Kane, Olivia Fenwick, Bri Birt, Maddy Morrow from Kingston, Belleville, and Cobourg area.

Local teams win medals at Bantam Select Girls Provincials

Congrats to the local teams that won at the House League Select Girls Provincial tournaments this past weekend.

At the U16 Bantam level, the Orleans Rebels won gold and the Stittsville 56ers took bronze.

Erin Durant earns All Canadian honours

Local softball player, GOFL fan and avid Tweeter Erin Durant was honoured this weekend at the Women's Canadians in O'Leary, PEI as an "All Canadian" outfielder.

Erin plays for the ByTown Belles but was picked up by the Whitby Eagles Intermediates for the nationals this past weekend.

North Leeds Men's Fastball League down to the finals

It will be the 5th place Greenbush Generals against the 2nd place Lyn Seniors in the North Leeds Mens Fastball League best of three finals.

Game 1 is Tuesday Aug 30th in Lyn and Game 2 Thursday Sept 1st in Greenbush.

Lyn beat Athens U21 in round 1 and then Lyn U18 in the semis. Greenbush beat Westport in round 1 and then Eastons Corners As in the semis.

BMFL playoffs begin

The Blackburn Men's Fastball League playoffs have begun, with the eight teams playing down in a double knockout tournament stretched over a few weeks. Things started off on Thursday and continue on Sunday. Full bracket posted here.

Four teams remaining in Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League playoffs

There are four teams remaining in the eight team Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League playoffs as they move on to the semi finals.

Don Cherry's will face off with Kanata Sports Club at 6:30 pm on Monday, while Laurysen Kitchens plays East Side Mario's at 8:30 pm. Both games are the first in best-of-three series to see which teams make the finals.

Elkland B weekend

The Elkland B weekend - a warm up for the Durk Sherman Tournament on Labour Day weekend - is being held in Elkland, PA with a great field of 16 teams participating.

Schedule here.

GOFL "Championship Round" teams set

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League "Championship Round" now has the four teams confirmed:

• Micksburg Twins
• Quyon Flyers
• Kars Aces
• West Carleton Electric

I4C Victory decided to withdraw from their playoff series with the Kars Aces due to player injuries preventing them from fielding a team.

The format for the Championship Round is a double knockout event, stretched out over a couple of weeks. Games will be as follows.

1. Kars Aces at Quyon Flyers, Tuesday August 30 at 8 pm in Quyon
2. West Carleton Electric at Micksburg Twins, date TBD in Micksburg
3. Winner of Game 1 vs Winner of Game 2
4. Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 2 (loser eliminated)
5. Loser of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 4 (loser eliminated)
6. FINAL: Winner of Game 3 vs Winner of Game 5
7. If necessary game, if first loss by undefeated team in Game 6

Toronto Gators folding

The Toronto Gators, who just won the International Softball Congress World Tournament in Moline, IL last week have announced on Twitter that they are folding.

Stittsville 56ers Novice Girls win provincial championship

from Matt Wheatley

The Stittsville 56ers Girls (ages 13-14) won the 2016 Ontario Selects Novice Softball Championship in Unionville this past weekend, knocking off the team from Forest Glade 11-8 in the final. The girls went undefeated throughout the tournament led by solid pitching from Jordyn Leboutillier, Alyssa Rollin and Avery Smith.

Head Coach Dan Rollin was thrilled with the win. “The girls played as a team, we were solid top to bottom, everyone got key hits, everyone contributed. Our defense was solid and our pitching was great. Our team motto this year was “together”, we certainly played like it this weekend.”

The 56ers ended round robin play with wins over Oakville (8-0), Brampton (7-3) and Richmond Hill (10-0). Clutch hitting was key for the wins. Jordyn Lindsay led the offense with consistent hitting including a grand slam, while 1^st year novice players Sarah Di Crese and Jayde Shouldice had timely hits to propel the team to victory in several  games.

Veteran player Fiona Wheatley noted the maturity of her teammates. “We didn’t panic, we didn’t give up, we just played the game the way we were coached and now we are Ontario Champs.”

Reagan Lonbary’s speed on the bases caused havoc for the opposition while the defense had many noteworthy plays, including several from standout shortstop MacKenzie Bresee.

The Sunday games brought wins vs. Erindale (15-2) and Mallorytown (10-4) setting up the final vs. Forest Glade, a suburb of Windsor. Both games featured strong hitting from the 56ers including multiple hit games by center fielder Brianne Flowers.

The final was a nail bitter for Stittsville, trailing the entire game until the bottom on the sixth inning finally exploding for 5 runs. The offense was led by catcher Violet MacEven who went 4 for 4 including a clutch single in the 6^th to propel the team to victory. When asked before the game how many hits she’d get in the final said “Every time I’m up.” Starting pitcher Leboutillier went the distance for the 56ers racking up 10 strikeouts in the win.

The future looks bright for the 56ers as all but four players are returning to the novice division including the entire pitching staff.

Bottom Row Left to right: Avery Smith, Violet MacEwen, Jayde Shouldice

Middle Row Left to right: Sarah Di Crese, Brianna Flowers, MacKenzie Bresee

Back Row Left to right: Matt Wheatley (coach), Jordyn LeBoutillier, Reagan Lonsbary, Dan Rollin (Head Coach) Jordyn Lindsay, Fiona Wheatley, Alyssa Rollin, Jon LeBoutillier (coach), Missing Danika Gareau

West Carleton wins game 5 over Stittsville

West Carleton Electric won Game 5 of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff series over Stittsville 56ers at the Grove on Wednesday night by a score of 8-1 to advance to the championship round.

Andy Barber had the win with a three-hitter, while Kyle Olson took the loss.

The first runs of the game were scored in the top of the third. With one out, Trevor Barton singled for West Carleton. Jeff Barber then singled as well. Shawn Rebertz hit a sharp liner to centre that just evaded the glove of the fielder, scoring Barton. Barber later scored on a misplayed ground ball hit by Neil Murphy to make it 2-0.

The Electric added to the lead in the fourth. With two out, Andy Barber walked. Barton then reached on an infield single. Jeff Barber then drove a ball, scoring his brother Andy. Barton subsequently scored when the throw to the plate was misplayed, giving the Electric a 4-0 lead.

West Carleton manufactured another run in the fifth. Mike Cavanagh singled, moved to second on a ground out, and took third on a wild pitch. Jeff Cavanagh walked to put runners on the corners. Steve Cavanagh drove in Mike on a fielder's choice.

Fitzroy plated another two in the sixth. Andy Barber lead off with a single. Barton then walked. Jeff Barber hit into a fielder's choice erasing Barton but putting men on the corners. Rebertz singled to score Andy and Mike Cavanagh singled to score Jeff, putting the Electric up 7-0.

A solo home run by Scott Jessiman put Stittsville on the board in the bottom of the sixth, but a blast by Jeff Cavanagh in the top of the seventh restored the seven run lead for WC. The 56ers were retired in order in the bottom of the seventh to give the Electric an 8-1 win.

Fitzroy

Andy Barber WIN 7IP 1R 1ER 3H 3BB 7K 2HBP

Andy Barber 2-4, BB, 2R
Trevor Barton 2-4, BB, 2R
Jeff Barber 2-4, 2B, RBI, 2R
Shawn Rebertz 1-4, RBI
Mike Cavanagh 2-4, R, RBI
Jeff Cavanagh 2-3, HR, 2B, RBI, BB
Steve Cavanagh 2-4, 2B, RBI

Kyle Olson LOSS 7IP 8R 5ER 13H 2BB 4K

Dan Jessiman 2BB
Scott Jessiman 1-3, HR, RBI, R
Ryan Bond 2-3

I4C Victory forfeits games tonight

Unfortunately due to multiple player injuries, I4C Victory had to forfeit both of their playoff games tonight in Manotick, so Kars Aces will be awarded the wins.

Kars now has a two games to one series lead, with Game 4 tentatively scheduled for Wednesday August 31.

Quyon wins 9-2 over Valley to take series

The Quyon Flyers won 9-2 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff action in Quyon on Tuesday night, winning their series over the Ottawa Valley As three games straight.

Matt Greer had the win and also hit a home run to help his cause. Curtis Daley had a two run shot and an RBI double for the Flyers.

Todd Wilson took the loss with Adam Reuckwald seeing action in relief.

The Flyers will advance to the GOFL Championship round along with the Micksburg Twins, with the other two teams to be determined.

GOFL playoffs on Wednesday

Tonight in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoffs, Stittsville 56ers will host West Carleton Electric at the Grove for the fifth and deciding game of their series, starting at 8:30 pm.

In Manotick, I4C Victory and the Kars Aces will play a doubleheader starting at 7 pm, games two and three of their series. I4C leads one game to none.

Cogeco TV coverage of the GOFL

Cogeco TV has been on site this year for Greater Ottawa Fastball League games in Micksburg, taping them for later broadcast on the local cable station in Pembroke. 

Thanks to Jamie Bramburger and his crew for this coverage and promotion of our league.

If you haven't seen any of the video, check out these links on YouTube - the quality is impressive.

Micksburg vs Stittsville - June 23: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYESCZOM-DU

Micksburg vs Kars - July 7 (#1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuDyrUfnCT8

Micksburg vs Kars - July 7 (#2): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OhNdc6vS80

Micksburg vs Kars - July 7 (#3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MITVehntBz8

Bonus - Jamey Mick hitting a home run last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jB9JJpmDyE

Valley Heritage Radio supports GOFL

Many times this season I have run into fastball fans in the area and been told "I was listening to Valley Heritage radio and heard that West Carleton Electric won (or lost) last night."

It's excellent for the Greater Ottawa Fastball League to have support from our local Ottawa Valley radio station who have been great at not just providing scores but also game details on their daily sports update.

If you are in their listening area, you can tune in at 98.7. If not, you can give them a listen online at http://valleyheritageradio.ca/. Support your local station!

Newspaper coverage of the GOFL playoffs

From the West Carleton Review a couple of articles about the Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoffs:

http://www.ottawacommunitynews.com/sports-story/6819489-west-carleton-fastball-teams-on-brink-of-playoff-elimination/

http://www.ottawacommunitynews.com/sports-story/6809604-playoffs-start-in-greater-ottawa-fastball-league/

West Carleton Electric evens series with Stittsville in extra innings

West Carleton Electric forced a deciding game five in their Greater Ottawa Fastball League series with a 3-2 win over the Stittsville 56ers in Fitzroy Harbour on Tuesday night. The exciting game was well played in front of a decent crowd and took eight innings to finish.

Andy Barber (WC) and Kyle Olson (56ers) were the pitchers of record, going the distance for their respective teams.

The Electric plated the first run of the game on a Trevor Barton solo homer in the bottom of the first.

Stittsville responded in the top of the second. John Craig singled with one out and took second on a walk to Jamie O'Hare with two out. An infield single to Aaron Amo loaded the bases. Tyler Nystedt's grounder was bobbled and the throw to third to try for the force was late, tying things at 1-1.

Both pitchers continued to throw well and the game ended after seven tied at one, despite both squads having good chances in the seventh.

In the top of the final regulation inning, the 56ers loaded the bases with two out without getting the ball through the infield. Nystedt's swinging bunt got him on base, followed by a walk to Dan Jessiman. Scott Jessiman then drilled one up the middle and it was knocked down by Barton the second baseman to save a run, but he was unable to get an out. Barber induced a strike out to end the threat.

The bottom of the seventh saw Jeff Cavanagh reach on an infield single. He was erased on a fielder's choice to his brother Steve Cavanagh. The Trics elected to put Chris Costello in to run for the SCav and he moved to second on Spencer Rodd's walk. Both runners moved up 60 feet on a wild pitch. Andy Barber then hit a hard grounder but O'Hare made a good play at second base to end the inning.

The eighth inning brought on the international tie breaker, and Ryan Bond went to second for Stittsville. He moved to third on a very well-placed bunt single by Luc D'Entremont. Craig then singled, scoring Bond to get the 56ers the lead. Barber got out of the inning with two strikeouts and a ground out.

The Electric put Andy Barber on second for their half of the eighth. After a strikeout, Barber advanced to third on a wild pitch. Brother Jeff Barber's single to right tied the game. Shawn Rebertz then singled sending Mike Cavanagh to the plate. Cavanagh hit a walk off single to score the game winning run, tying the series at two games apiece.

The series deciding game will be played Wednesday August 24 at 8:30 pm at the Grove in Stittsville.

Fitzroy
Andy Barber WIN 8IP 2R 1ER 7H 5BB 10K

Trevor Barton 1-4, HR, RBI, R
Jeff Barber 2-4, RBI, R
Shawn Rebertz 1-4
Mike Cavanagh 1-4, RBI
Neil Murphy 1-3, 2B
Jeff Cavanagh 2-3

Stittsville
Kyle Olson 8IP 3R 3ER 8H 1BB 5K

Aaron Amo 1-5
Tyler Nystedt 1-4
Dan Jessiman 3BB
Scott Jessiman 2-4
Luc D'Entremont 1-4
John Craig 2-4, R, RBI

GOFL playoff games

Greater Ottawa Fastball League games this week:

Stittsville 56ers at West Carleton Electric in Fitzroy Harbour on Monday August 22 at 8:30 pm. 56ers lead series 2-1. Game 5 if necessary on Wednesday August 24 at 8:30 pm in Stittsville.

Ottawa Valley As at Quyon Flyers in Quyon on Tuesday August 23 at 8 pm. Quyon leads series 2-0.

I4C Victory and Kars Aces in Manotick on Wednesday August 24, a doubleheader at 7 pm and 9 pm. I4C leads the series 1-0.

Quyon beats Valley 4-2 - the details

from Shawn Laframboise

Quyon took a 2-0 series lead with a 4-2 win over the Valley As Thursday night in Carp. Trevor "Jim" Lahey earned the win while Adam Rueckwald took the loss with both pitchers going the distance for their respective clubs. The game saw lots of base runners but there was only scoring in two innings.

With one out in the top of the first, Dennis McCleary singled, stole second, and took 3rd on a passed ball. Rueckwald escaped the inning with a strike out and a long fly out to the warning track in left field. In the bottom half of the inning the As threatened. With one out, Steve Frost executed a perfect bunt single and moved up to second on Kyle Couvieau's single to right field. Lahey got out of the inning with 2 strike outs. The game remained scoreless after one inning of play. 

The Flyers did all their scoring in the top of the second. After a pop up to the pitcher for the first out, Shawn Laframboise singled up the middle. Chris Hobbs grounded to the pitcher who looked to second to get the lead runner. The ball popped out of the second baseman's glove, leaving both runners safe. Lahey then hit a fly ball to left field for the second out, and both runners advanced 60 feet on the tag up. Jordan Kearns then hit a 2-out flare over short stop, which should have scored 2 easily, but some poor base running led to the runner on second only advancing to third. Dave Hobbs followed that up with a 3-run shot to right field to make it 4-0 for the visitors. 

Both pitchers settled in and the score remained the same until the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Ben Wade singled and advanced to third on consecutive passed balls. He came in to score on Frost's 3rd single of the game. He would also advance to 3rd on consecutive passed balls and score on Ryley Burns soft grounder that eluded Lahey. Lahey was able to get out of the inning with another strike out. 

Quyon threatened again in the sixth and seventh but wasn't able to push anything across. The As went down in order in the last two innings to make the final score 4-2 for Quyon. 

Pitching

Trevor Lahey (win) 7IP, 2R, 1ER, 6H, 1BB, 12Ks

Adam Rueckwald (loss) 7IP, 4R, 0ER, 8H, 2BB, 7K

Quyon Hitting

S. Laframboise 2/3 R

D. Hobbs 1/4 HR, 3RBI

D. McCleary 1/3 BB

J. Kearns 1/3 RBI, R

T. Lahey 1/3

J. McCleary 1/4

N. Armitage 1/4

Valley Hitting

S. Frost 3/4 RBI 

K. Couvieau 1/3

D. Baird 1/3

B. Wade 1/4

Thursday playoff results

Thursday night playoff results in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League:

The Quyon Flyers beat the Ottawa Valley As 4-2 in Carp to take a 2-0 lead in their best of five series. Trevor Lahey had the win while Adam Rueckwald took the loss.

In Fitzroy, the Stittsville 56ers beat West Carleton Electric 8-4 to go up 2-1 in their series. Kyle Olson got the win, Andy Barber the loss with Steve Cavanagh working relief.

Kingston Axemen in top 12 at ISC World Tournament

After losing their first game 4-2 to the Kegel Black Knights of North Dakota, the Kingston Axemen have reeled of three straight wins at the International Softball Congress World Tournament in Moline, Illinois.

All of the Axemen wins have been by a single run: 3-2 over the Todd's Mudjacking of Illinois, 7-6 over Topeka Toros from Kansas, and 8-7 yesterday over the #10 ranked Bloomington, IL Stix.

Next up is a game at 3 pm Eastern Time against the A1 Bombers, based out of Saskatchewan. Kingston is currently one of only twelve teams remaining in the World Tournament.

GOFL players Matt Greer (Quyon), Joran Graham (Micksburg), Brad Pender and Nick Ellis (both with Kars) are on the Kingston roster.

Stittsville evens series with 10-8 win over West Carleton

The Stittsville 56ers evened their best-of-five Greater Ottawa Fastball League series at 1-1 with a 10-8 win over West Carleton Electric on Wednesday night at the Grove.

Kyle Olson got the win going the distance for the home team while Cole Bolton took the loss in relief of Andy Barber. Steve Cavanagh threw to one batter in relief.

West Carleton got out to an early 7-0 lead. Derek Barber, Jeff Barber and Bolton all had home runs for the Electric.

A three run shot by Dan Jessiman in the fourth narrowed the score to 7-3. After another Stittsville run, the Electric pushed the lead to 8-4 on an RBI single by Neil Murphy in the fifth.

However, a four run inning for the 56ers, including two more RBIs by Jessiman, tied things at 8.

In the bottom of the sixth Luc D'Entremont, with the bases loaded and two out, drove a ball up the middle that hit the pitcher's glove and blooped out into right field, scoring two to get the 56ers ahead.

When the Electric couldn't respond in the top of the seventh, the 56ers tied the series at 1-1.

Game three will be Thursday night at 8:30pm in Fitzroy Harbour.

Kars - I4C Victory game postponed

Game 2 of the Kars Aces - I4C Victory game had to be postponed tonight. They will play a double header for games two and three on Wednesday August 24 in Manotick.

Tuesday games rained out

Both Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff games scheduled for tonight have been rained out.

Game 2 of WC Electric vs Stittsville will be played at the Grove on Wednesday August 17 at 8:30 pm.

Game 2 of Quyon vs Ottawa Valley As will be rescheduled, date to be posted when confirmed.

Game 2 of Kars vs I4C Victory was already scheduled for Wednesday August 17 at 8 pm in Manotick.

Eastern Ontario teams to compete at the Squirt Provincials (UPDATED)

There are 23 teams competing in Ontario Amateur Softball Association provincial tournaments for Squirt boys (U12) softball this weekend.

The "A" tournament will be held in Springbrook, with the Westport Storm competing. (Westport went 1-2)

The "B" tournament is in Cobourg, and will feature teams from Greely, Micksburg and the Caveman's West Carleton squad. (Greely and Micksburg went 0-2. West Carleton went 1-2, including a heart-breaker 3-2 loss to Owen Sound where it was the Caveman vs Frank Cox's son in a pitching duel.)

The "C" tournament is also in Cobourg and has Laurentian Valley (near Pembroke) participating. (LV went 2-2.)

Full links to the tournament draws and results, visit the OASA website.

I4C Victory takes game one over Kars - WITH DETAILS

I4C Victory won the first game of their Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff best-of-five series over the Kars Aces with a 3-0 win on Wednesday night in Manotick.

Andrew Putnam got the win, throwing a one hitter. Brad Porter took the loss.

details from Adam Fleming

Kars Aces and I4C started their best of 5 playoff series last night in Manotick. Brad Porter had the ball for Kars and Andrew Putnam for I4C.

After a scoreless first, I4C got on the board in the second. Andrew Putnam lead off the inning with a home run to centerfield. Chris MacFarlane then tripled to left field and was scored on a single by Adam Fleming. 

Kars threatened in the 4th with two outs. Cory Morrison singled and Nick Ellis walked. Putnam got the next batters to pop up and strikeout to end the inning. 

I4C added a run in the 6th. Putnam started it with a single that was misplayed in the outfield allowing him to hustle around to third base. Trevor Watts scored him with a line drive to right that just got under the fielder's glove allowing Putnam to score and Watts to end up on third. Porter got out of the inning with a strikeout. 

Kars rallied in the 6th. Morrison lead off with a sharply hit grounder to shortstop that got past the I4C defense. Ellis then reached on an error and the runners moved up on a passed ball. Kyle Gourgon walked to load the bases with none out. Putnam was able to strikeout the next 3 batters to end the inning. 

No runs were scored in the 7th and I4C was able to start the series with a 3-0 win. Andrew Putnam had the win with 16 Ks and Brad Porter took the loss striking out 8. 

Game 2 will be next Wednesday in Manotick at 830.

I4C

Andrew Putnam     2-3, HR, 2R

Chris MacFarlane  2-3, 3B, R

Trevor Watts           1-3, RBI

Adam Fleming        2-3, RBI, 2B

Hunter Macdonald 1-3

Kars 

Corey Morrison 1-3

Luke Serverson BB

Kyle Gourgon    BB

Five Local Softball Players win Silver at Provincial Women's Championships

from Stephanie Manson

In their inaugural season, the Bytown Belles brought home the silver medal at the Intermediate I Provincials (Provincial Women's Softball Association) in Chepstow, Ontario. The team features five players with connections to the Ottawa Valley: Amber O’Connor, Elissa Sivel and Jean Cardona from Pembroke, Erin Durant (originally from Prescott), who is married to Cobden baseball and softball player Brad Pender, and Stephanie Manson, whose family is originally from Killaloe.

The Bytown Belles started the tournament with a disappointing 1-3 record in the round robin, despite strong offensive performances by O’Connor and Durant and gutsy pitching performances by Cardona and Sivel.
Due to their slow start, the Belles found themselves in a sudden death tie-break game against the Whitby Eagles to advance to the playoff round early Sunday morning. Despite a 9-1 loss to the Eagles earlier in the tournament, the Belles mercied the Eagles 8-1 in only five innings. Durant was 3-4 on the game with a run scored, four RBIs and two triples.

In the semi-finals, the Belles faced the undefeated Windsor Wild. The Wild had beaten the Belles by a significant margin in round robin play. Jean Cardona came up big for the Belles in the semi-finals, pitching a complete game and holding the power-hitting Wild to only one run scored through seven innings. In the bottom of the seventh inning, O’Connor was the hero, hitting a double to the fence to score a runner from first base with one out. The Wild then loaded the bases on walks before Brye Corkum hit a hard groundball at the pitcher, resulting in an error and the Belles’ beating the Wild in walk-off fashion.

The Belles then faced the hometown Chepstow Diamonds in the gold medal game. Cardona pitched in her second game of the day and delivered another excellent complete-game performance against a great hitting team. Unfortunately, the Belles bats went cold and lost 4-1 and settled for the silver medal.

In addition to finishing with the silver medal, Belles pitcher Allie Hipgrave was named top pitcher of the tournament. The Belles opted out of attending the Canadian National Championships in O’Leary, Prince Edward Island from August 24-28. However, Durant and Sivel will be attending the tournament as pickups with the Whitby Eagles.

 (left to right): Amber O'Connor, Erin Durant, Jean Cardona, Elissa Sivel

Back row (left to right): Erin Durant, Elissa Sivel, Stacey Austick, Stephanie Manson, Lisa Ryerson, Shelby Robblee, Leah Mark, Allie Hipgrave

Front row (left to right): Hal Whitcomb (head coach), Shawna Niskanen, Brye Corkum, Jean Cardona, Stephanie Bouchey, Amber O'Connor

Not pictured: Dustin Whitcomb (coach) and Tasha Doucette

WC Electric win first game over Stittsville

West Carleton Electric took the first game 8-3 in the best-of-five playoff series at the Grove over the Stittsville 56ers on Wednesday night in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play.

Cole Bolton had the win, with Andy Barber picking up the save. Kyle Olson went the distance for the home team.

The Electric got a run in the first. Andy Barber singled with one out and moved to second on Derek Barber's single. Jeff Barber's grounder erased Andy at third, but he reached safely. Jeff Cavanagh's RBI single cashed Derek.

The 56ers answered back with two in the bottom of the opening inning. Aaron Amo singled, stole second and scored on Dan Jessiman's double. Jessiman scored on Luc D'Entremont's off hand double down the line to left.

West Carleton retook the lead in the second. Neil Murphy reached on an error, moved to second on a ground out and scored on Mike Cavanagh's single. Andy Barber's triple scored Cavanagh to make it 3-2.

The Electric pushed the lead to 4-2 in the top of the third when Jeff Barber doubled, took third on a wild pitch and scored on Trevor Barton's ground out.

Stittsville answered with one in the bottom of the third. Dan Jessiman was hit by a pitch with two out and scored on brother Scott's triple deep to right-centre.

The 56ers threatened in the fourth. John Craig singled to lead things off, and Olson reached on an error. After two strike outs, Amo walked to load the bases. However Bolton induced a ground ball to get out of the inning.

Andy Barber came in to pitch for WC in the bottom of the fifth and put the 56ers down in order.

West Carleton plated some insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Andy Barber singled to start, and made it to third on Derek Barber's single. A walk to Jeff Barber loaded the bases. Steve Cavanagh then hit a ground and the 56ers went for the out at home but were unable to make the play, scoring Andy. After a fielder's choice by Barton that saw Derek thrown out at home, a ground out by Murphy scored Jeff Barber. Shawn Rebertz then drove in Cavanagh and Barton to make it 8-3.

Stittsville got two runners on in the seventh with a walk to Ryan Bond and a single by Dan Jessiman, but Barber struck out the final two batters to end the game.

Fitzroy
Cole Bolton WIN 4IP 3R 3ER 6H 3K 1BB 1HBP
Andy Barber SAVE 3IP 0R 2H 8K 1BB

Andy Barber 3-4, 3B, RBI, R
Derek Barber 2-4, R
Jeff Barber 1-2, 2BB, 2R, 2B
Jeff Cavanagh 1-3, RBI
Trevor Barton RBI, R
Neil Murphy RBI, R
Shawn Rebertz 1-4, 2B, 2RBI
Michael Cavanagh 1-4, RBI, R

Stittsville
Kyle Olson LOSS 7IP 8R 2ER 9H 4K 3BB

Aaron Amo 1-3, BB, R, SB
Dan Jessiman 2-3, 2R, RBI, HBP
Scott Jessiman 1-4, 3B, RBI
Luc D'Entremont 1-4, 2B, RBI
John Craig 2-3
Kyle Olson 1-3, SB

Quyon comes back to win 12-5 over the Valley As - WITH DETAILS

The Quyon Flyers came back using the long ball to propel to a 12-5 win over the Ottawa Valley As in the first game of their best-of-five Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff series on Tuesday night.

Drew Hathway had the win, with Trevor Lahey working an inning of relief. Todd Wilson took the loss and Adam Rueckwald saw action in relief.

Valley jumped out to 5-3 lead going into the fourth until the Flyers' come back started.

The Flyers hit six home runs. Dennis McCleary hit two out and drove in five runs. Nick Armitage and Chris Hobbs both had two run bombs, while Joe McCleary and Matt Greer hit solo shots.

Next up in the series is Game 2 on Tuesday August 16 at 8:30 pm in Carp.

Details from Shawn Laframboise

Quyon opened up its first round playoff series with a 12-5 victory at home on Tuesday night. Drew Hathway earned the win, pitching 4 innings and giving up 5 runs, and Trevor Lahey saw an inning of relief action before the game ended by way of the run rule. Todd Wilson took the loss pitching 3+ innings with Adam Rueckwald pitching 1.2 innings in relief for the visitors.

Valley took the lead in the first inning. Steve Frost singled with one out and advanced to second on a fielder's choice. After swiping 3rd on a fake bunt Frost came in to score on a wild pitch. 

The Flyers answered back with 3 in the bottom half of the first. Dave Hobbs led off with a walk and scored on a Dennis McCleary homerun. After retiring the next two batters, Wilson gave up back-to-back base hits to Hathway and Nick Armitage. Hathway then scored on a Shawn Laframboise grounder to short that was misplayed.

Both teams operated a clean second inning and the visitors retook the lead in the third. Clayton Vance and Frost each singled to start the inning. Vance stole third and scored on a Kyle Couvieau ground out to second base. Ryley Burns walked for the second time to put runners on the corners. A Lindsay Medynski base hit scored Frost and Burns came all the way around to score when the ball was misplayed in the outfield. 

The home side threatened in the bottom half but Wilson was able to pitch out of the jam. 

The A's added 1 more in the top of the fourth. Jackson Vance drew a lead off walk and stole second before advancing to third on a wild pitch. Vance then scored on a Shane Boyd sac fly.

Down 5-3, the Flyers bats erupted for 7 runs in the bottom of the fourth, all scoring by way of the long ball. Curtis Daley and Hobbs led off with singles and scored on Dennis McCleary's second homer of the night. The A's made a pitching change and brought in Rueckwald to replace Wilson. After a couple of groundouts, Hathway singled and scored on an Armitage homerun. Laframboise followed that up with a single and he scored on Chris Hobbs' pinch hit two run homer.

Lahey came on to pitch the fifth for Quyon. Frost reached on an error to the second baseman but Lahey was able to retire the next three batters. The run rule was invoked in the bottom of the fifth when Joe McCleary and Matt Greer but back-to-back solo homeruns to make it a 12-5 final.

Quyon Pitching

Drew Hathway (W) 4IP, 5R, 5ER, 4H, 4BB, 2K

Trevor Lahey 1IP, 0R, 1K

Valley Pitching

Todd Wilson (L) 3+IP, 6R, 5ER, 8H, 1BB, 2K

Adam Rueckwald 1.2IP, 6R, 6ER, 6H, 1K

Quyon Hitting

Nick Armitage 3/3 HR, 2 RBI

Chris Hobbs 1/1 HR, 2 RBI

Dennis McCleary 2/4 2 HR, 5 RBI

Matt Greer 2/4 HR

Joe McCleary 1/4 HR

Drew Hathway 2/2 SAC, 2R

Curtis Daley 1/2 BB, R

Shawn Laframboise 1/3 R, ROE

Valley Hitting

Steve Frost 2/3 2R, ROE

Lindsay Medynski 1/3 2 RBI

Clayton Vance 1/3 R

Shane Boyd 0/1, SAC, RBI

Riley Burns 0/1 2 BB, R

Kyle Couvieau 0/2, SAC, RBI

Jackson Vance 0/1 BB

GOFL 2016 playoffs

Greater Ottawa Fastball League best of five playoff series are as follows:

1st Micksburg Twins (13-5) have the bye to the next round

2nd Quyon Flyers (12-5-1) vs 7th Ottawa Valley As (3-14-1)

The Flyers won the season series with two wins and a tie. First game of the series will be on Tuesday August 9 at 8:30 pm in Quyon, with the next games to be determined.

3rd Kars Aces (12-5-1) vs 6th I4C Victory (6-11)

The Aces won the season series with two wins and a loss. First game of the series will be on Wednesday August 10 at 8:30 pm in Manotick, with the next game to be determined.

4th Stittsville 56ers (7-9-2) vs 5th West Carleton Electric (7-10-1)

The 56ers and Electric were evenly matched this year with the teams each winning a game, losing a game and tying one for the regular season series. The first three games of the series will be as follows:
Wednesday August 10 in Stittsville at 8:30 pm
Tuesday August 16 in Fitzroy Harbour at 8:30 pm
Wednesday August 17 in Stittsville at 8:30 pm

Quyon defeats I4C Victory 8-1

The Quyon Flyers defeated I4C Victory 8-1 in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League final regular season game on Monday in Quebec.

Trevor Lahey earned the win while Matt Mackay took the loss for I4C.

The win sealed second place for Quyon while Victory finished in sixth.

GOFL playoff picture - with an UPDATE

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League playoff picture, explained.

1st: Micksburg Twins have clinched first with 26 points. They will take the bye into the final playoff round.

2nd / 3rd: Kars Aces (25 points) and Quyon Flyers (23 points) await the results of the final regular season GOFL game on Monday (tonight) with the Flyers hosting I4C at 8 pm. A win by Quyon sees them earn second, based on head to head results with Kars. A loss or tie for the Flyers sees the Aces take second place.

If Quyon wins, they will host Valley As in the 2 vs 7 series first game on Tuesday August 9 at 8 pm. The Aces would then play I4C in first of the 3 vs 6 series on Wednesday August 10 in Manotick, time TBD.

If Quyon loses or ties, they will host I4C Victory in the 3 vs 6 series opener on Tuesday August 9. Kars would play Valley and they would likely get started on Wednesday August 10 in Manotick.

4th / 5th: Stittsville 56ers (16 points) and West Carleton Electric (15 points) finish 4th and 5th respectively and will play each other in the best of five first round.
Game 1: Wednesday August 10 at 8:30 pm in Stittsville
Game 2: Tuesday August 16 at 8:30 pm in Fitzroy Harbour
Game 3: Wednesday August 17 at 8:30 pm in Stittsville

6th: I4C Victory (12 points) has their final game on Monday. As described above, if they win or tie, they will face Quyon in the playoffs. If they lose, the play Kars.

7th: Ottawa Valley As (7 points) await the game result on Monday to see if their opponent is Quyon or Kars.

Quebec Juniors wins U21 National title in Tavistock

The Quebec Juniors, fresh off a semi-final appearance at the Gil Read Memorial Tournament, won the Softball Canada U21 Men's Nationals in Tavistock this past weekend in dramatic fashion with a 11-10 walk off win in the final over Oshawa. Team QC went undefeated in the event at 8-0.

More info here:
http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2016/08/07/the-quebec-st-leonard-express-won-the-under-21-canadian-fast-pitch-nationals-with-a-walk-off-in-the-bottom-of-the-seventh#

Micksburg wins both games in doubleheader, clinches first

from Scott Conroy

Micksburg Twins won both games in their doubleheader against I4C Victory on Thursday night in the 'Burg to clinch first place in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League. I was "gone fishin'" so just posting now.

Game 1:

Game one of the double header worth 6 points started under the sun in Micksburg. A hot night saw Joran Graham pick up the win and Shane McNish take the loss.

A good crowd on hand in Micksburg was treated to the “visiting” team threatening early, as Micksburg played game 1 as the visitor. After loading the bases with none out in the first, McNish was able retire the next 3 batters faced to keep it a 0-0 game.

The Twins would strike 4 times in the third inning. Jamey Mick would drive in Andy McIntyre on a single followed by a Joran Graham single. Corey Costello then put a 3 run home run over the left field fence.

Joran Graham would continue to shut down the I4C order. The Twins added 5 to their lead in the top of the fourth and seal the win after 5 innings.

Andy Mcintyre 1-2, BB, 2 runs
Jamey Mick 1-1, 2 BB, RBI, run
Joran Graham 1-1, 2 BB, 2 runs
Corey Costello 1-2, HR, BB, 3 RBI
Chad Costello BB, run
Kyle Jackson 1-2, BB, 2 RBI, run

Game 2:

After a quick 20 minute break to allow the players to re hydrate, many fans stuck around for a sure to be entertaining second game. Again worth 3 points, Corey Costello took the ball for Micksburg and Andrew Putnam countered for I4C.

Both pitchers started the game strong by each striking out the side in order. It wasn’t until the top of the fourth where Matt McNish had a two out double before Andrew Putnam drove him in with a single.

Micksburg would answer right back. Joran Graham would walk to start the bottom of 4. With two outs, Kyle Jackson drove a ball over the center field fence to make it a 2-1 game.

The game had a playoff like atmosphere to it all the way to the end as both teams refused to give an inch. Micksburg would add a run in the bottom of the 6th. Costello would finish it off in the seventh striking out the side for the complete game win. Putnam was handed the loss.

Joran Graham BB, run
Corey Costello BB, run
Kyle Jackson 1-1, HR, 2 RBI, 2 HBP

Micksburg beats WC Electric 9-2

Micksburg Twins defeated West Carleton Electric 9-2 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League action up in the 'Burg on Tuesday night.

Joran Graham had the win while Steve Cavanagh took the loss.

West Carleton took a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the fifth - then the Twins scored eight to end the game on the run rule.

Mickburg got on the board in the third when Jamey Mick's double scored Andrew McIntyre who had reached on a fielder's choice and stole second.

West Carleton answered back with two in the fourth. Neil Murphy singled to start the inning. He took second on a wild pitch. Shawn Rebertz's flare to right was misplayed and the ball knocked out of bounds scoring Murph. Rebertz subsequently scored on Jeff Cavanagh's single.

The Twins ended the game on the run rule by putting up an eight spot in the fifth. Jamey Mick had another double and Quentin Rook had a three run homer in the inning.

Get together for Daryle Meek

Info from Paul Sauve

There will be a get together for Daryle Meek at the Braeside RA Centre on Saturday August 13 at noon, rain or shine. Daryle played many fastball for many years including the Arnprior Men's Fastball League. He also played for the Arnprior Packers Jr B team as well as in local men's hockey leagues.

Organizers are inviting anyone who was played fastball or hockey with or against Daryle over the year to come out and support. There will be a BBQ and a pick up game of softball on the diamonds, and a DJ with music.

Daryle has some health challenges and is looking forward to see all his friends, former teammates and opponents that can attend.

Stittsville wins bronze at midget qualifier

from Al Read

The Midget Girls Tier II Stittsville 56’ers attended the 2016 Provincial Women's Softball Assocaition Eastern Provincial Qualifier this past weekend in Port Perry.

The first game was against La Salle (near Windsor) and the 56’ers didn’t get off to the start they were looking for. With lefty Sara Entwistle on the mound for Stittsville, the team struggled early with some errors and every ball put in play by La Salle found a hole. In a shorten game decided by the mercy rule, the 56’ers fell 10-3.

The team then had to go the “long road” with the first game against host Port Perry. Katie Wolf was dominant on the rubber and the bats came alive with an impressive 8-1 win also via the mercy rule.

There wasn’t much rest to be had as the 56’ers then took on Kitchener Black. With Katie Wolf back on the hill, her performance was superb recording 14 strikeouts. Alex Demers hit a home run in the 6th inning to put the 56’ers up 5-2 and although Coach Al Read tore some hair out, they hung on in the 7th for a 5-4 win, sending them to the 7pm game.

The 7pm game matched them up with the other Kitchener team, Kitchener White. Sara Entwistle was back on the mound and was awesome! An unfortunate injury to the 56’ers center fielder Sara (Pillar) Prebinski, forced veteran and team co-captain Erika Geoffrion into the position for most of the game…. And she made it count, starting with throwing out a runner at the plate when the score was 0-0, she followed it up with an amazing catch in the gap  with the bases loaded and only 1 out. So shocked were the Kitchener team, no one tagged up and the score remained 1-1. Following a line drive to Rachel Ross at 2nd base, the 56’ers got out of it. In the bottom of the 6th, the bottom of the order came through scoring 2 runs and staking the 56’ers to a 3-1 lead which they held on to and punch their ticket to the Provincial A championships in Ancaster in two weeks.

After 4 long hard fought games however, Stittsville wasn’t finished their comeback. Sunday morning matched them up once again with the La Salle team that mercied them in game one and sent them on this long hard road. The 56’ers had revenge on their minds. With Katie Wolf on the hill, every single player on the team rose to the occasion – doubles, triples, another home run by Alex Demers and some real solid defence… the team from LaSalle didn’t know what hit them. The 56’er sent them home via a 14-6 win.

The 56’er followed the big win with a match vs. rivals Brampton. The heat, the exhaustion and the emotions got the best of the 56’ers in this one though spotting Brampton to an early 5-0 lead. However they wouldn’t go away quietly. Stittsville scored 4 in the 3rd and the game remained 5-4 until the bottom of the 6th when Brampton scored 2 more to win the game 7-4. This sent Stittsville home with an extremely hard fought Bronze medal and a spot in the Provincial A championship.

From left to right front row
Sara Entwistle, Rachel Ross, Alex Demers, Alex Geoffrion, Shaylyn James, Ryann Seiler

Back row
Asst coach Peter Read, Erika Geoffrion, Zoe More, Asst coach Dale Aiken, Sara Prebinski, Claire Campbell, Katie Wolf, Asst coach Nicole Dunlop, and Head coach Al Read.

Missing from picture Jenna Bjornson