After having an average regular season in 2009 , the Sudbury North Stars came out like gangbusters with an 11-0 record before suffering a recent mid season mini slump of two back to back losses . On Monday night in Azilda at the Rick McDonald Memorial Park they got right back on track collecting their 13th victory of the season to bring them at 13-2-0  and still remain atop of the league standings . The victory was also another important mark since a victory on Wednesday evening in Whitefish  against last year's first place finishers the Parry Island Hawks would clinch first place ant the Commissioner's Cup for the North Stars (this first place finish would give them a bye to the semi finals . John Ainslie , the league's top pitcher (10-2) , picked up his 10th victory of the season against 2 losses , going all the way  not giving up a single run on  2 base hits while fanning 5 batters  and issuing but one single base on balls. Gary Lamothe (5-5) went the distance for the Garson Hounds giving up 7 runs (all earned) on 12 hits while striking out 3 batters and issuing one base on balls . Chad St Cyr led the way for the North Stars going a perfect 3 for 3 (triple ,two runs scored , 2 runs batted in ) with teammates Bruce MacDonald  3 for 3 (double , 2 runs scored ,1 run batted ion ) ,Steve Sabourin 2 for 3 (league's leading hitter , triple, run scored , 2 runs batted in ) and Ben Bast  2 for 3(designated player , double ) also hitting well for the winners while Eric Ace and Dan Quesnel both hit 1 for 2 in a losing cause for the Hounds .

                                                                                           Play resumes on Wednesday night in Whitefish Lake with a doubleheader when the Pickerel River Cardinals take on the Whitefish Lake First Nation Steelers at 7 PM followed by the 9 PM under the lights nightcap where the Parry Island Hawks will battle the first place Sudbury North Stars (could be North Star victory for the Commissioner's Cup) .

 

Attached action photo from Monday night's game between the Hounds and North Stars (foreground from the Garson Hounds [Al Giles coaching at first, and Quesnel-base runner at first);in the background from the North Stars -Junior Ilnitski playing third base ;John Ainslie pitching and Pitou Paquette playing first base . This is one of the main fields on which the boys softball/fast pitch Ontario Summer Games will be played (up coming from the 10th to the 13th of August)

 

Players are reminded that the selection for the leaguer's All Star team is soon coming up  prior to them facing the North Shore All Star team in late August or early September for the 6TH Annual All Star Classic in Sagamok on the North Shore

 

Teams are reminded that the deadline for the 100$ non refundable deposit to guarantee your team a spot in the 5th Annual Northern Ontario "Brad Rienguette" ladies and Men's Fastball Championship (The Shamou Shoot Out ) is fast approaching  being Friday August the 6th . Deadline for entry is August the 15th ()see attached flyer)

 

Keep fit! See you on the fastball diamonds!