Westport finishes second, WC third at U20 B

The Westport Storm finished second and West Carleton Electric third at the six team U20 Men's Ontario Amateur Softball Association Provincial B tournament in Cobourg on the weekend.

The event was washed out on Saturday due to heavy rain and shortened games were played on Sunday to get the event completed.

Westport defeated Hillsdale Haymakers 12-4 in a game that started Saturday morning and was finished Sunday morning. They then lost to Wilmot Thunder 5-2.

West Carleton defeated East Gwillimbury Rise 10-0 on Friday afternoon, then lost to Wilmot 8-1 in a similar game that started Saturday and ended Sunday.  Gabe Brown took the loss and had relief from Blake Bramburger. 

The Electric's next game was an 8-1 victory over Northumberland Jays, with Ryland Hill earning the win.

Next up for WC was an exciting 2-1 win over Hillsdale. Brown had the win in the circle for WC. Conner Hopper had a solo homer. With the game tied 1-1 in the bottom of the final inning, Dylan Rorwick led off with a triple that bounced off the centre right field fence rail and fell back in fair. The Haymakers intentionally walked Brown and Hopper to load the bases. After a strikeout, a wild pitch allowed Rorwick to score for the win.

Immediately following, Westport and West Carleton played for the right to meet Wilmot in the final. The Storm prevailed 8-5, with Brock Seed earning the win. Brown took the loss in relief of Hill. Evan Rice had a homer for Westport.

The final game right after saw Wilmot beat Westport 7-0. Cohen Christner had a no-hitter for the Thunder while Seed took the loss with relief from Noah Fleurie.

The Rostock Braves won the U20 Provincial A, beating Haldimand Heat 10-3 in the final in the eight team tournament held at the same venue. The Napanee Express finished fourth.

West Carleton U20 wins first game in Cobourg

West Carleton Electric U20 won their first game at the Ontario Amateur Softball Association Provincial B tournament in Cobourg on Friday, defeating East Gwillimbury Rise 10-0.

Gabe Brown had the pitching win in the four inning run rule shortened game, allowing only one hit, walking one and hitting one batter.

Brown also was 2 for 3 with a double, walk and two RBIs. Conner Hopper had a triple and an RBI, as did Dylan Rorwick. Sammy Perkins had a double that drove in two runs.

The subsequent game vs Wilmot Thunder on Saturday morning was halted due to heavy rain and will be resumed on Sunday morning.

Quyon and Manotick tie

The Manotick Brewers and the Quyon Flyers tied 3-3 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play in Quyon on Thursday night.

Matt Greer pitched for the Flyers while Adam Smith had the ball for the Brewers.

Manotick ends the season with four wins, eight losses and two ties. They will finish in fifth place in the seven team GOFL. The Flyers have eight wins and one loss and still have five games to play. They could finish anywhere from first to fourth depending on the remaining game results.

Manotick squeaks by Osgoode

The Manotick Brewers got by the Osgoode Chiefs by a score of 3-2 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play in Manotick on Wednesday night in a rare single game in the 'Tick.

Adam Smith got the win for the Brewers while Matt McKay took the loss.

Tyler Branchaud's two run homer in the bottom of the fifth put the Brewers ahead.

U20 provincials this weekend in Cobourg

This weekend is the Ontario Amateur Softball Association U20 Provincial A and B tournaments in Cobourg.

As per this post about the U20 Elims, several local ball players from various area men's leagues including the Greater Ottawa Fastball League will be in attendance.

West Carleton Electric and the Westport Storm are in the Provincial B tournament. Westport won the 2022 Provincial B event last year at U20.

The Napanee Express, hosts of the U20 Canadians in August, are in the Provincial A tournament.

U17 Stittsville 56er’s boys Win Provincial B Championship

 from Al Read

The Stittsville 56er’s U17 boys competed this past weekend in the Ontario Amateur Softball Association Provincial B Championships held in Grafton, Ontario.

Their first game matched them up against Havelock. After being down 2-0 after one, the sixers finally put a run on the board in the 4^th and another in the 5^th to tie it at 2. Then in the bottom of the 6^th with one out, Reid Wilson gave the 56ers a 3-2 lead with his first career home run! Unfortunately, the lead didn’t hold and Havelock scratched a run out in the top of 7 to tie it. The sixers couldn’t score in their half of the 7^th and they were off to extra innings.

In the top of the 8^th, Havelock exploded with 3 runs to take a 6-3 lead. But the 56’ers refused to go away scoring 3 of their own in the bottom of the 8^th with an RBI single by Joey Kerluke and a 2 run double by Cade Kuehl and the game was back to a tie at 6.

In the 9^th inning, both teams traded runs. For the 56er’s, Reid Wilson scored on a Peyton Shields RBI single. But it was still tied at 7.

In the top of the 10^th, the 56’ers starting pitcher Graham Maxwell apparently had enough and struck out two Havelock batters and induced a pop fly to hold Havelock in check. In the bottom of the 10^th with runners on 1^st and 3^rd, Cade Kuehl was at it again with the walk off single scoring Billy Wootton from 3^rd to take the marathon game 8-7. Maxwell had the complete 10 inning game win.

 

Game 2 matched the Sixers up against a scrappy team from Fingal. Daniel Read was on the mound and was mowing down the Fingal batters early. The 56’ers bats were still hot from the night before scoring two in the 1^st and five more in the top of the 4^th to stake Stittsville to a 7-1 lead. Fingal stormed out in the bottom of the 4^th though and got two back, but their rally was cut short by the laser arm of Bennett Rusenstrom from left field throwing the Fingal runner out at the plate and kept the score 7-3. Unfortunately, the momentum had still turned. With a 3 up 3 down top of the 5^th for Stittsville, Fingal scored 3 more in the bottom of 5^th and the lead was cut to 7-6.

In the 6^th, Cade Kuehl hit a one out triple and scored on a fielder’s choice by Hunter Beauregard, and the lead was up to 8-6.  In the bottom of the 6^th, Stittsville tried to stem the tide sending Graham Maxwell  back to the mound. Fingal still came back though with 2 runs, however, a game saving diving catch in center field by Reid Wilson ended the threat. The game was tied 8-8 heading for the 7^th.

The Sixers scored a huge run in the 7^th with an RBI double by Ashton Ledain, but with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7^th, Fingal scratched a run across and for the second straight game, the team was headed for extra innings.

In the 8^th, the 56ers exploded for three quick runs after a single by Ethan Howard, and another two-run triple by Cade Kuehl. But again, Fingal fought back, scoring two runs to make the game 12-11. With two outs and the tying run on second, Fingal’s number two batter hit one to the gap. But it wasn’t enough for the speed of Stittsville’s star left fielder Bennett Rusenstrom, who made the nice running catch and end the game.  

 

Game 3 was the undefeated game between Stittsville and Hillsdale. Daniel Read toed the rubber again for Stittsville, but the game didn’t start the way they hoped. Hillsdale scored three runs in the top of the first and three more in the top of the second for an early 6-0 lead. Things looked a little bleak. But the Cardiac Kids didn’t quit. With the help of a few walks, a few Hillsdale errors and some timely hits, the Sixers scored eight times in the bottom of the second and took an 8-6 lead … after two innings!

In the 3^rd inning, Hillsdale was right back at it and scored three more to make the score 9-8 for them, but in the bottom of the 3^rd, an RBI single by Ethan Howard (who was later erased on the bases), a Cade Kuehl double and Hunter Beauregard massive two-run home run put the Sixers back on top 11-9… after three innings!

Everything seemed to settle down after that. Read started dealing with a nasty change up and held the hot Hillsdale sticks off the board in the 4^th and 5^th. However, the Stittsville bats were quiet as well. Graham Maxwell entered the game in the top of the 6th and threw another scoreless inning. In the Bottom of the 6^th, now batting for Read, Maxwell laced a double in the gap and eventually came around to score to put the team up 12-9. They didn’t know how important that run was.

In the top of the 7^th, Hillsdale came back, scoring 2 more runs to make the game 12-11 and had the bases loaded with none out. But Maxwell was able to strike out the number 4 hitter, then induced a fly ball to 3^rd basemen Ethan Howard, and got a routine ground out to Beauregard at short stop and the Sixers won their second straight 12-11 thriller.

 

The finals on Sunday set up a re-match with Hillsdale after they knocked off Havelock in the morning (who took the bronze medal). The Iron right arm of Graham Maxwell was back on the hill for the Sixers. But after a single and two strike outs in the top of the first, Fingal exploded with a single and three doubles and took an early 4-0 lead. It stayed that way until the bottom of the third when Stittsville got their legs back. After walks to Billy Wootton, Rusenstrom and Ethan Howard, a double by Cade Kuehl, a single by Beauregard and a triple by Reid Wilson put the sixers up 5-4. Wilson then scored on a passed ball and the sixers were up 6-4 after 3.

The game stayed like that until the top of the 6^th when Hillsdale went back to work. With two outs and a runner on second, Hillsdale got three walks, two singles, a double and a three-run bomb, scoring 7 runs and took a commanding 11-6 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.

Down five runs in the bottom of the 6^th, would seem like an unsurmountable lead, however these incredible young men didn’t quit. After singles by Daniel Read and Peyton Shields, with one out Bennett Rusenstrom ripped a singled scoring two. Rusenstrom later came in to score as well after a fielder’s choice and a Hillsdale error and the score was 11-9 heading to the 7^th.

The top of 7 was not without drama. With two out and the bases juiced, Hillsdale’s leadoff hitter who already had a three-run home run in the sixth, stepped to the plate and ripped one down the left field line. A full out sprawling diving catch by Rusenstrom was easily the defensive highlight of the year for the 56er’s team, keeping the game within in reach.

Stittsville started the bottom of the 7^th, with a leadoff walk to Reid Wilson, who immediately stole second. Daniel Read then laced an RBI single and the score was down to one. After a Joey Kerluke fielder’s choice, Peyton Shields hit a one out double scoring Kerluke and tied the game at 11!  For the third time in four games, the 56ers were headed back to extra innings.      

In the top of the 8^th, with the international tie breaker rule in effect and a runner starting on second base, the sixers got a quick out after inducing an infield fly on a bunt attempt. Then the Hillsdale number three batter hit a long fly ball to left field. Having the tournament of his life, Bennett Rusenstrom caught the long fly and fired a rocket to Howard at third base nailing the runner who had tagged up from second, ending the top of the 8^th!

With Ethan Howard starting on second base in the top of the 8^th inning, Kuehl hit a rocket line drive to left field, but it was caught and Howard was forced to stay at 2^nd. Beauregard, followed that up with a deep line drive to center which was also caught, but Howard was able to advance to 3^rd on the sac fly. So, with two outs, Reid Wilson stepped to the plate and hit a lazy fly ball to right field… however the right fielder lost the ball in the sun, and with that, Howard scored the game winning and Provincial B winning run for the Stittsville 56’ers for their 3^rd straight 12-11 win and the Championship. 

 

An amazing weekend and an amazing accomplishment. This was only Stittsville’s second year competing at the OASA level, and all but two members of the team are first year U17 players. They overcame much adversity and grew together as men this weekend. Onwards and upwards Sixers! 

 

 

From left to right

Back row: Assistant coach Vic Wootton, Assistant coach Tim Maxwell, Bennett Rusenstrom, Peyton Shields, Joey Kerluke, Daniel Read, Skyler Pharand, Ashton Ledain, Billy Wootton, Assistant coach Matt Wilson, Head coach Al Read

Front Row: Reid Wilson, Hunter Beauregard, Cade Kuehl, Graham Maxwell and Ethan Howard. 

Quyon beats West Carleton

The Quyon Flyers overcame a 5-2 deficit after four innings to defeat West Carleton Electric 12-5 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play on Tuesday night in Fitzroy Harbour.

The Flyers put up two runs in the fifth, six runs in the sixth, and two runs in the seventh to seal the win.

Drew Hathway earned the win in relief of Trevor Lahey. Ben Broek took the loss and had relief from Adam Rueckwald and Steve Cavanagh.

Curtis Daley had a two run homer for Quyon.

Quyon

Trevor Lahey 3IP 2R 3ER 6H 1K 0BB
Drew Hathway WIN 4IP 3R 2ER 5H 5K 1BB

Dennis McCleary 3-4, 2B, BB, 2R
Todd Hearty 1-5, 2R
Steve McCord 3-4, 3 x 2B, 5RBI, BB, 2R
Hunter Beauregard 2-2, BB, 2RBI, 2R
Curtis Daley 2-3, 2BB, 3RBI, HR, R
Evan Atkinson 1-5
Cade Kuehl 2-4, 2R

West Carleton

Ben Broek LOSS 5.1IP 8R 9ER 10H 5K 5BB
Adam Rueckwald 0.2IP 2R 1ER 2H 1K 1BB
Steve Cavanagh 1IP 2R 1ER 2H 0K 1BB

Chris Costello 2-3, BB, 2B, R
Neil Murphy 2-4, RBI
Steve Cavanagh sac fly RBI
Chris Trafford 1-4
Jeff Cavanagh 2-4, 2R, 2B
Adam Rueckwald 1-4
Alex Boucaud 2-3, RBI, R
Adam Brown 1-3, 2B, R, 2RBI

Results from the Carp Shootout

A complete list of the results at the Carp Shootout this weekend. 

Game RR1
Micksburg, ON Twins 5 (payout: $300)
Highgate, ON Rock 1
WP: Joran Graham, relief Brady Woods
LP: Steve Malott

Game RR2
Kingston, ON Axemen 6 (payout $300)
Team Quebec 2
WP: Jordan Macdonald
LP: Sharl Leclerc, relief Alex Baillargeon

Game RR3
Grand Valley, ON Expos 12 (payout $300)
Highgate Rock 0
WP: Luke Zettel (1 hitter)
LP: Connor Sloan, relief Steve Malott

Game RR4
East Hants, NS Mastodons 12 (payout $300)
Team Quebec 0
WP: David Watson, relief Brody Fraser
LP: Alex Baillargeon, relief Jeremy Breton

Game RR5
Micksburg Twins 5 (payout $300)
Grand Valley Expos 4
WP: Kyle Linton; Save: Brady Woods
LP:  Riley Capalbo, relief Luke Zettel

Game RR6
East Hants Mastodons 5 (payout $300)
Kingston Axemen 1
WP: Brody Fraser, relief David Watson
LP: Steve Keller, relief Ethan Toombs

Game SO1
Grand Valley Expos 4 (payout $400)
Team Quebec 0
WP: Luke Zettel
LP: Sharl Leclerc

Game SO2
Kingston Axemen 8 (payout $400)
Highgate Rock 2
WP: Jordan Macdonald, relief Ethan Toombs
LP: Steve Malott

Game SO3
Micksburg Twins 4 (payout $600)
East Hants Mastodons 0
WP: Joran Graham (19 Ks, 3 hits)
LP: David Watson, relief Brody Fraser

Game SO4
Grand Valley Expos 9 (payout $500)
Kingston Axemen 2
WP: Riley Capalbo
LP: Ethan Toombs, relief Jordan Macdonald

Game SO5
East Hants Mastodons 9 (payout $600)
Grand Valley Expos 7
WP: Brody Fraser, in relief of David Watson
LP: Riley Capalbo, in relief of Luke Zettel

Final Game
Micksburg Twins 6 (payout $2000)
East Hants Mastodons (payout $750)
WP: Joran Graham; Save: Kyle Linton
LP: David Watson, relief Brody Fraser

Payouts:
Micksburg Twins (4-0): $3,200
East Hants Mastodons (3-2): $1,950
Grand Valley Expos (3-2): $1,200
Kingston Axemen (2-2): $700
Highgate Rock (0-3)
Team Quebec (0-3)

Read family honoured at the Carp Shootout

There was a special presentation at the Carp Shootout on Saturday afternoon as the committee honoured the Read family and all their dedication to fastball over the years, when they worked so hard on 11 editions of the Gil Read Memorial men's fastpitch tournament.

We also recognized the induction of Team Ontario 2001 into the Ontario Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame - a team that Gil Read coached to a perfect record and gold medal at the Canada Games, along with many other accomplishments. 

Gil Read was a coach of much renown and a great guy. He died in 2007 but is missed to this day by many in the Ottawa area, the province of Ontario, in Canada and beyond for his dedication to softball.  His bio is here: https://gilreadmemorial.com/about-gil.html

Accepting the Hall of Fame plaque is Gil's son, Chris Read, presented by some random guy from the audience.

Photos from the shootout

Some great photos of the Carp Shootout from Vanessa Fontana of the championship game.

Geoff Lathem presents the Tournament MVP trophy to Joseph Mick from Micksburg Twins

Members of the organizing team prepare for the awards ceremony: Dale Aiken, Duane Bromley (background), Bryan Armstrong, Eric Rosenquist and Geoff Lathem

Bryan Armstrong presents the championship trophy to Paul Griffiths, the Twins' coach

Brad Pender of Micksburg at bat against David Watson from East Hants, NS Mastodons, Patrick Stewart (catching), Brad Weese (umpire)

The 2023 Carp Shootout Champions

Tuesday night schedule change in Fitzroy

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League game Tuesday night in Fitzroy is now Quyon Flyers vs West Carleton Electric at 7 p.m., a make up of rained out game from June 27. The WC vs Micksburg Twins game originally scheduled for Tuesday will be played at a later date.

Stittsville wins U17 Provincial B title (updated info and photo)

The Stittsville 56er U17 team won the Ontario Amateur Softball Association Provincial B title this weekend at the six team event in Grafton, winning all four games by a single run, three in extra innings.

The 56ers reeled off three straight wins on Friday and Saturday to punch their ticket to the Final on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Those three games were all decided by one run, with one game going 10 innings and another eight innings.

The final was another one run game and went eight innings, with the 56ers prevailing 12-11 over Hillsdale. Stittsville at one point was down 11-6 before clawing back to win Gold.

Teams members are Bennett Rusenstrom, Ethan Howard, Cade Kuehl, Hunter Beauregard, Reid Wilson, Daniel Read, Joey Kerluke, Peyton Shields, Billy Wooton, Skyler Pharand, Ashton Ledain and Graham Maxwell. Coaches are Al Read,  Tim Maxwell, Matthew Wilson and Vic Wootton.

Stittsville 56ers are a member team of the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League this season.

Twins win inaugral Carp shootout (more details added)

The Micksburg Twins won the inaugral Carp Shootout men's fastball six team tournament this past weekend with a perfect 4-0 record, taking home $3,200 in prize money.

After advancing to the Final based on 4-0 win over the East Hants Mastodons on Saturday night, the Twins once again played the same club and beat them 6-1 in the final.

Joran Graham had the win while Kyle Linton picked up the save. David Watson took the loss and had relief from Brody Fraser.

Tyler Branchaud had a two-run homer, and both Joseph Mick and Matt Greer had two runs batted in for Micksburg. The Nova Scotia team scored their only run on a solo homer by Fraser.

Joseph Mick, the Twins catcher, was awarded Most Valuable Player for the tournament. 

East Hants earned $1,950 in prize money as the second place team.

Other games played today included the quarterfinals which saw Grand Valley Expos beat Kingston Axemen 9-2 and the semi-final game with East Hants getting by the Expos 9-7.

Back Row: Matt Greer, Joran Graham, Scott Conroy, Paul Griffith, Kyle Linton, Brad Pender, Jared Steege, Noah Fleurie, Quinton Rook

Front Row: Tyler Branchaud, Matt McIntyre, Andy McIntyre, Joe Mick, Gavin Brooks, Jamey Mick. 

Absent Sunday: Brady Woods

Micksburg in Final at Carp Shootout

The Micksburg Twins are in the Final at the inaugural Carp Shootout tournament. They have three straight wins and will play at 2 p.m.

Other games on Sunday feature the Grand Valley Expos vs Kingston Axemen at 10 a.m. The winner of that game will play the East Hants Mastadons at noon for the right to play in the Final against the Twins.

All games will be streamed on YouTube. https://youtube.com/@wc_fastball

Saturday results - round robin

Kingston Axemen 6

Québec 2

Grand Valley 12

Highgate Rock 0

East Hants Mastadons 12

Québec 2

Micksburg Twins 5

Grand Valley 4

East Hants Mastadons 5

Kingston Axemen 1

Shootout Round

Grand Valley Expos 4

Québec 0

(Québec eliminated)

Kingston Axemen 8

Highgate Rock 2

(Highgate eliminated)

Micksburg Twins 4

East Hants Mastadons 0

(Micksburg to Final, East Hants to semis)

Stittsville in Final at Provincials

The Stittsville 56ers are in the final of the Ontario Amateur Softball Association Boys' U17 Provincial B tournament in Grafton. They play at 1 p.m. on Sunday. 

The 56ers won three straight one run games including an 11 inning marathon and an 8 inning game.

Stittsville wins first game at U17 Provincial B tournament

The Stittsville 56ers picked up a big win at the U17 Provincial B tournament in Grafton on Friday night. 

In a game that went 11 innings, the 56ers defeated the Havelock Express to move to the winners' side of the bracket. Cade Keuhl, who also plays for the Quyon Flyers in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League, had the walk off single to end the game.

Micksburg wins first game at Carp Shootout

The Micksburg Twins won their Friday night game at the Carp Shootout tournament over the Highgate Rock by a score of 5-1.

Joran Graham was the winning pitcher and had relief from Brady Woods. Steve Malott took the loss for the Rock.

This game, as will all games on Diamond 1 at the event, was livestreamed on YouTube. 

Kars defeats West Carleton in Carp

In a Greater Ottawa Fastball League game played Friday night before the Carp Shootout, the Kars Aces defeated West Carleton Electric 8-1.

Brad Porter had the win for the Aces while Adam Rueckwald took the loss with relief from Ben Broek.

Mike Cavanagh had a home run for West Carleton as did Kurtis Summers from Kars.

The game was live streamed and the video is available on YouTube.

Micksburg and Orleans split doubleheader

The battle of the undefeated teams in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League resulted in a win for each team at a neutral site doubleheader match up Thursday night in Carp.

The early game was a 2-1 win for the Orleans Rebels over the Micksburg Twins. Andy Barber had the win and Joran Graham took the loss. Jeff Barber had a homer for the Rebels.

The second game was a tight 5-4 win for Micksburg over Orleas. Noah Fleurie got the win and John Enright the save. Andy Barber took the loss. Joe Mick had a homer for the Twins. 

The game ended on somewhat of a controversial note, as the weather was bad for the bottom of the seventh and the game was halted with Micksburg up 6-4 and Orleans at bat with two men on. Going back to the last complete inning means the Twins win 5-4 as that was the score at the end of the sixth.

ISC Legends schedule announced

The International Softball Congress Legends tournament (50+) has been announced for mid August in Wisconsin.  There are 16 teams participating and a few Greater Ottawa Fastball League (current and former) players participating. 

Ontario Challenge Cup

ISC Canada East is excited to announce details for the 2023 Ontario Challenge Cup.

League teams are invited to submit their rosters for the double knockout tournament which will be held September 22-24 in Chepstow.

A paid entry fee in the 2024 ISC World Tournament in Surrey, BC will be awarded to the winner.

The OCC is open to all league teams. Entry fee is $495 and is payable via Interac e-transfer to Blair Setford at blairjs@gmail.com. Space in the tournament is limited to the first 12 (or 14) teams that confirm via paid entry.

For more information about the OCC, please contact Blair.

Carp Shootout tournament this weekend

The Carp Shootout tournament is this weekend at the Fairgrounds in Carp.

Six teams are vying for $7000 in prize money: Micksburg Twins, Kingston Axemen, Highgate Rock, Grand Valley Expos, Team Quebec and East Hants (NS) Mastodon.

Weekend passes are $20 or daily admission of $5 on Friday or $10 for Saturday or Sunday. 

Games will also be livestreamed.

For a full schedule and livestream links visit https://carpshootout.ca.

Coverage of the event in West Carleton Online: https://westcarletononline.com/carp-shootout-attracting-top-fastball-talent/ 

Manotick and Osgoode win on Wednesday

West Carleton Electric lost two close games on Wednesday in Manotick in Greater Ottawa Fastball League league play.

The first game saw the Manotick Brewers come back to win 4-3 over WC. Adam Smith earned the win on the slab for the home team while Adam Rueckwald took the loss. 

Rueckwald had a solo homer for the Trics. Zach Branchaud had two RBIs for the Brewers and Ryan Clare's single in the bottom of the seventh scored Tyler Alexander to walk it off.

The late game was a 6-5 win for the Osgoode Chiefs over West Carleton. Matt McKay was the winning pitcher while Ben Broek took the loss in relief of Martin Mauveil.

Thursday game between Quyon and Kars postponed

Due to a number of issues, including field availability, player availability, and the closing of the bridge at Portage-du-Fort, the Greater Ottawa Fastball League game between Quyon Flyers and Kars Aces on Thursday July 20 has been postponed.

ISC Bracket has been released

The tournament bracket is now available for the International Softball Congress World Tournament in Denmark, Wisconsin from August 12-19. Info here: 2023 ISC World Tournament Schedule Released (iscfastpitch.com)

Several GOFL players will be in attendance at the event playing for Niagara Stompers and Kingston Axemen.

Orleans edges Manotick

The Orleans Rebels defeated the Manotick Brewers 2-1 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play on Friday night.

Andy Barber had the win allowing only two hits and striking out 15. Carley Shane took the loss with Cory Baldwin seeing two innings in relief.

Orleans scored two in the first. Matt Healey got hit by a pitch, stole second. Moises Del Corral hit a double to score him and then Tyler Borris hit a double to score Del Corral.

Manotick got their run in the fourth when Tyler Branchaud tripled and scored on a wild pitch.

Orleans and Micksburg remain as the two undefeated teams in the GOFL.

Shawville 150 features fastball

The Shawville District Recreation Association is putting on Shawville 150 Day on Saturday July 15 and it features fastball.

The event kicks off with a minor ball game at noon. Following that at 1 p.m., West Carleton Electric U20 will play Stittsville 56ers U17 in a game that will count in the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League standings. The 56ers have three members of their team from Shawville.

Next up is a women's game with the Quyon Flyers playing Micksburg at 3 p.m. Wrapping up the schedule are two league games for the Shawville Men's Fastpitch League with the Twins vs Brewers at 5 p.m. and the Athletics vs. Royals at 7 p.m.

There will be a bar, a BBQ, kids' activities and live music during the event.

Blackburn league standings

The current standings for the Blackburn Men's Fastball League.

GOFL standings

The standings for the Greater Ottawa Fastball League after Thursday night's games.

Glen Cairn standings

An update on the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League standings as of July 14

West Carleton beats Osgoode

West Carleton Electric won 3-0 on Thursday night in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play at home in Fitzroy Harbour over the Osgoode Chiefs.

Adam Rueckwald had the shutout win, allowing only four hits. Matt McKay took the loss throwing well for the Chiefs. 

All of the game's runs were scored in the bottom of the first. Trevor Barton lead off with a double.  A misplayed ball put Chris Costello on base, then Conner Hopper ripped a triple to left field to cash two. Hopper scored on Ben Broek's single, with none out. McKay got out of the jam and never let in another run.

Osgoode had their best scoring chance in the fifth. Austin McCord lead off with a double. After a strike out, Bobby Holmes hit one deep to the hole between second and third but a great defensive play by Hopper at shortstop saved a hit and threw the batter out. A strikeout ended the threat.

West Carleton 

Adam Rueckwald  WIN 7IP 0R 4H 0BB 10K

Trevor Barton 2-3, 2x2B, R

Chris Costello 1-3, R

Conner Hopper 1-3, 2RBI, 3B, R

Ben Broek 1-3, RBI

Osgoode

Matt McKay LOSS 6IP 3R 2ER 6H 1BB 9K

Laurent LaFontaine 1-3

Owen Arseneault 1-3

Austin McCord 1-3, 2B

Matt McKay 1-3

Graham no hits Flyers

The Micksburg Twins defeated the Quyon Flyers 7-0 in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play on Thursday night to stay undefeated.

Joran Graham no-hit Quyon over five innings. Drew Hathway made a comeback for the Flyers and took the loss. He had relief from Trevor Lahey. 

Harbour Ball standings

After ten weeks of play, here are the standings for the Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League.

Grandor Farms 8W 1L

West Carleton U17 Rona 7W 3L

West Carleton U20 Electric 6W 2L 1T

Bren Electric 5W 4L

Hicks Custom Interiors 3W 5L

Clean Cut Construction 3W 5L

Baird Carpentry 1W 6L 1T

Campbell Fuels Logsplitters 1W 8L

Chiefs, Aces win in Manotick

The Osgoode Chiefs win the first game and the Kars Aces the second in Manotick in Greater Ottawa Fastball League play on Wednesday. 

The Chiefs got by the Aces by a score of 4-3 in the first game. Matt McKay earned the win while Kurtis Summers took the loss with relief from Cory Alkerton. Summers also hit a homer for the Aces.

The late game saw the Aces beat West Carleton Electric 8-5. Alkerton earned the win with Brad Porter getting the save. Ben Broek took the loss for WC. Kars shortstop Kristian Knapp hit two homers - one over the fence and one gapper inside the park. Summers also hit another one out for Kars. Conner Hopper hit an inside the parker for WC.

Kingston Axemen lose in the Finals in Au Sable (team photo added)

The Kingston Axemen lost in the finals at the 61st Au Sable Forks Men's Fastpitch tournament this past weekend. There were eight teams competing at the event.

The final saw the Axemen lose 7-3 to RM Kurtz from Lancaster, PA. Derek Martin had the start for Kurtz. Jordan Macdonald had the start for the Axemen and Clayton Robinson took the loss in relief. Kristian Knapp had a homer for the Axemen.

During round robin play, the Axemen lost to Quebec 7-3 in their first game. Riley Manion had the win while Robinson took the loss with relief from Macdonald and Joran Graham. Graham had a home run. 

The Axemen lost their second round robin match up 5-0 to Team 518 from Amsterdam, NY.  Tyler Randerson had the win and Graham took the loss.

Kingston won their final round robin game over Northline from Jay, NY. Macdonald earned the win.

In quarter-final play, the Axement beat the Quebec Juniors 7-1. Robinson earned the win. Jared Steege had a 3 run homer in first and Aaron Harvey hit a 2 run homer.

The semi-final was a grueling 11 inning game against Team 518, with the Axemen prevailing 4-3. Steege had a single in 11th to plate Macdonald who was the international tie break runner. Graham went the distance for Kingston. Randerson threw 9 and Ty Sebastian threw innings 10 and 11 for Team 518.

Photo from Facebook

Tournament in St-Gervais, QC

The 3rd annual Tournoi des Fondations A. Bourassa, a men's fastpitch tournament, is looking for teams for their event September 15-17 at the field in St-Gervais, Quebec.

Entry fee is $500, with a three-game guarantee. They are looking for 6 to 8 teams. To register contact mat.roy16[at]hotmail.com.

Mike Craig (updated with obituary)

From Bob Templeton 

Mike Craig, a former fastball player in the area, died yesterday. Mike played for Macton Muckdogs in what was the precursor to the precursor to the Greater Ottawa Fastball League, the Kemptville Men's Fastball League. He was also a member of the Kemptville Thunder  Intermediate team and earned a provincial title as a member of the Kemptville team which won the Ontario Amateur Softball Association Peewee "B" title back in 1990. That team was inducted into the Kemptville & District Sports Hall of Fame.

Mike was also a hockey player, with 283 games at the Junior A level with the Smiths Falls Bears. 

Condolences to his friends and family.

Obituary now online: Michael Craig Obituary - Alexandria, ON | Munro & Morris Funeral Homes - Alexandria (munromorris.com)

Westport and West Carleton at U20 Eliminations

The Westport Storm and West Carleton Electric U20 teams both finished with one win and two losses at the Ontario Amateur Softball Association tournament in New Hamburg, hosted by Wilmot Softball.

Westport opened up their tournament Friday with a 9-7 come from behind victory over the hosts Wilmot Thunder. Brock Seed earned the win in relief and hit a homer for Westport. 

On Saturday the Storm lost 9-4 to the tournament finalists, Haldimand Heat. After games were delayed due to rain on Saturday afternoon they finished their game against the Fingal Storm on Sunday morning losing 12-9.

West Carleton started the event Friday with a 10-0 win over the Otterville Otters.  Gabe Brown had the win tossing a three hitter and Blake Bramburger hit a three run homer for WC. 

The Electric played a second game Friday losing 10-3 to Shallow Lake Sting. On Saturday the Electric lost a tight 10-9 game to the Springbrook Royals, with the tying run thrown out at the plate in the bottom of the seventh in the pouring rain.

Both Westport and West Carleton finished in the bottom half of the fifteen team event and will play in the U20 Provincial B tournament later this month in Cobourg.

The Napanee Express finished fourth at the tournament with four wins and two losses. They will be hosting the U20 Canadians in August and will compete at the U20 Provincial A tournament in Cobourg.

Rostock Braves defeated Haldimand 7-0 in the final. Those two teams will join Napanee (host) and third place / defending champions Tavistock Athetics at the U20 Nationals to represent Ontario.

Micksburg vs Quyon postponed

The Greater Ottawa Fastball League game in Micksburg on Thursday between the Twins and the Quyon Flyers had to be postponed as heavy rains earlier in the day made the field unplayable.

West Carleton wins Harbour Days Classic

West Carleton Electric won the annual Harbour Days Classic game in Fitzroy Harbour on Thursday night, defeating the Manotick Brewers 3-1 in a Greater Ottawa Fastball League game played in front of a good crowd.

Adam Rueckwald earned the win with a four hitter. Cory Baldwin threw for Manotick.

The game started off with a moment of silence for Hugh Murray, a West Carleton Electric player who died over the off season.

Manotick scored their only run of the game in the first. Jack Becker singled to lead off the game, stole second, and moved to third on an overthrow. He scored on Ryan Clare's ground out.

West Carleton scored all their three runs in the bottom of the first. Trevor Barton led off with a walk. Chris Costello singled to put two on. A misplayed ground ball hit by Neil Murphy loaded the bases. Steve Cavanagh's sacrifice fly to centre plated Barton, followed by a Sean Lecuyer double which scored two.

Baldwin got out of several jams in this game as the Electric stranded 10 runners over six innings.

West Carleton

Adam Rueckwald WIN  7IP 1R 0ER 4H 1BB 10K

Chris Costello 3-3, BB, 3B, R
Neil Murphy 1-4, R
Steve Cavanagh sac fly RBI
Michael Cavanagh 1-2, BB
Sean Lecuyer 2-3, 2RBI, 2x2B
Conner Hopper 1-3

Manotick

Cory Baldwin LOSS 6IP 3R 1ER 8H 4BB 7K

Jack Becker 1-3, R
Ryan Clare 1-3 RBI
Trevor Beaulieu 2-3

61st Annual Au Sable tournament

The 61st Annual Au Sable Forks men's fastpitch tournament will be held this weekend (July 7-9) in Au Sable, NY.

There are eight teams this year, including Kingston Axemen, which will have a few GOFLers on their roster. 

U20 elims

The Ontario Amateur Softball Association U20 Men's Elimination tournament is being held this weekend (July 7-9) in New Hamburg and Baden, hosted by Wilmot Softball. 

The West Carleton Electric U20 team will be participating. They play in the Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League as well as the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball league. Two players from the team (Gabe Brown and Conner Hopper) also play with West Carleton in the Greater Ottawa Fastball League and Nolan Constello is with the Micksburg Twins.

The Westport Storm U20 team will also be in attendance. GOFLers Noah Fleurie (Micksburg Twins) and Owen Arseneault (Osgoode Chiefs) play for the Storm. Various players from the Storm also play in the North Leeds Men's Fastball League for the Westport Lumberjacks.

Napanee Express U20, hosts of the U20 Canadians in the fall, will be a favourite at the event. Tyler Branchaud of the GOFL's Manotick Brewers plays for the Express.

Orleans and Micksburg win on Wednesday

The Orléans Rebels defeated the Kars Aces 10-2 in the early Greater Ottawa Fastball League game on Wednesday. Andy Barber earned the win while Brad Porter took the loss.

The late game saw the Micksburg Twins prevail 12-5 over the Osgoode Chiefs. Jordan Macdonald won his first game in the GOFL. Jack Dewan took the loss and had relief from Bobby Holmes.

Local players off to Canadians

Following the U17 Eliminations in Stratford and the U23 Eliminations in Grafton this past weekend, some local players will be competing at Softball Canada national championships this August.

At the U17 level, the Napanee Express finished second of 15 teams at the rain-shortened event and secured a berth to the nationals in Fredericton, NB. The Express won three straight before losing to PDP Lightning from Drumbo in the undefeated game. The tournament was washed out by rain on Sunday but the seedings were set based on Saturday games. Finn Barton, Bryce Rebertz and Colton Lecuyer who play on the U17 Rona team in the Fitzroy Harbour Men's Fastball League are a big part of the U17 Express team.

At U23, the six-team Elimination resulted in defending national champions Tavistock Merchants winning. The Merchants won four straight, mercying Owen Sound 8-1 in the Final. They will be going to Saskatoon, SK for Nationals and Jack Becker of the Greater Ottawa Fastball League's Manotick Brewers plays for Tavi. The Alvinston Junior Aces won two and lost three at the event and that was good enough to secure the fourth and final berth at nationals. Joe Mick from the GOFL's Micksburg Twins plays for the Aces.

Stittsville wins Consolation title at U17 Elims

The Stittsville 56ers won the Consolation title at the Ontario Amateur Softball Association U17 boys' Elimination tournament in Stratford on the weekend.

The event had 15 teams, with the top four to represent Ontario at the Softball Canada nationals in Fredericton, NB in August.

The 56ers, who play in the Glen Cairn Men's Fastball League, lost their first two to be removed from contention for a berth at nationals but then won three straight to won the Consolation bracket at the event. 

The first game was a 7-1 loss on Friday evening against PDP Lightning from Drumbo, the team that ended up finishing first overall. That was followed by a 13-8 loss to Elmira on Saturday morning. 

Stittsville then won two on Saturday, beating Oshawa 12-3 and Stratford 10-3. In the bracket final on Sunday morning, just before the rain started, the 56ers beat Wellesley 9-2.

Hunter Beauregard and Cade Kuehl of the GOFL's Quyon Flyers play for the U17 56ers.