THOMSON,IL – The Thomson Area Merchants men’s fastpitch team is set to playthe opening game of the International Softball Congress (ISC) World Tournamentin Moline, IL on Friday, August 14 at 6:00 pm. This will be the first time theQuad Cities has hosted this event since 1973. This year's tournament is beingheld at the Green Valley Sports Complex.


     There will be 24 of the best men's fastpitch teamsfrom North America at this tournament featuring players from around the globe.The Thomson team includes two players from Canada, a player from Argentina, anda player from the Czech Republic. To get more information about the tournament,visit the tournament website at http://www.visitquadcities.com/site/isc2009


     Thomson will also play an exhibition game against theQuad City Sox on Thursday, August 13. This will give the local media and thepublic a chance to see what this sport is all about. Media events begin at 6:30pm with the game scheduled for 7:00 pm.


     The Merchants are currently 20-13 on the seasoncompeting against many of the top rated teams. Highlights include winning theWalcott, IA ISC Qualifier, a 4th place finish in West Saint Paul, and mostrecently a 5th place finish in the NAFA Open World Series where the merchantsdefeated the 2009 ASA National Champion Farm Tavern. Complete results and statsfor the Thomson season can be found on the team website at www.thomsonfastpitch.com.

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