To say the least , Thursday night's games in Garson at the Lorne Brady Memorial Park were interesting .In then opener the up and coming young bucks from the Whitefish Lake First Nation behind the fine pitching of veteran Al Guenette (2-3) , who collected his second mound victory of the season , smashed 14 hits ,scored 10 runs in a sound 10-3 victory over the second place Garson Hounds . The Steelers scored 5 runs in the 3rd frame and 4 runs in the fifth frame on their way to a convincing 4th victory . Justin Nootchtai led the way for Whitefish with a perfect 3 for 3 (double , triple , run scored , RBI ) with teammates Misadis Rice 2 for 4 (double) , Owen Peltier 2 for 4 (double , home run , 3 runs scored , 3 runs batted in ) and Al Guenette 2 for 3 (double) also hitting well. The dynamic duo of Justin "vacuum" Nootchtai at short stop and versatile Misadis Rice both from the thriving young Steelers of Whitefish are hitting at combined 14 for 20 or 700 in their last three outings(photo attached) .Dan Quesnel hit 2 for 3 (double) in a losing cause for the Hounds . Al Guenette went the distance for the Steelers , giving up 3 runs (all earned) on 7 hits , striking out 4 batters and issuing 2 base  on balls . Veteran Doug Foley (0-1) started for the Hounds( suffered the loss) and then gave up to Mac Ruddy in the 5th .Both pitchers combined to give up 10 runs ( 9 earned) on 14 hits while striking out 4 batters and not issuing a single walk .

                                                    The onslaught of runs and hits    continued in the nightcap when the Parry Island Hawks led by their veterans and younger players erupted for 20 base hits  and scored 16 runs on their way to the largest run victory this season of 16-4 over the Pickerel River Cardinals . The Hawks opened the first frame with a 5-4 lead but then scored 5 more runs in both the 2nd inning and 4th inning never looking back . Matt Tobobundung (5-4) picked up his 5th win of the season giving up 4 runs ( all earned in the first inning) on 5 hits while striking out 4 batters and issuing 2 base on balls . Ed Brennan 0-2/nd loss of the season ) started for the Cardinals gave way to Alex Ashawasagai in the third who gave way to Pat Brennan Jr in the 4th .All three pitchers combined to give up 16 runs ( 15 were earned ) on 20 hits while striking out 2 batters and issuing but one single base on balls . Walter Jr Tobobundung led the parade of Hawks hitters going 3 for 4 ( 2 doubles ,2 runs scored ,RBI) with teammates Craig Brown (2 for 4 /double) , Matt Tobobundung (2 for 3 /2 run homer) ,Eric Legendre (2 for 2 /triple) , Dana Judge (2 for 3 /triple ,2 RBI's) ,Rich Jason (2 for 2 /home run)  Adam Judge (2 for 3/  3 run homer ) and Frank "Bonkers" Pegahamagabow (2 for 2 ) also hitting well . Ed "Shaq" Panavick Jr hit 1 for 1 in a losing cause for the Cardinals . Two caption photos from Thursdays games accompany this story (check the attachment)

                                                     Play now resumes on Monday night July the 26th in Azilda at the Rick McDonald Memorial Park when the Garson Hounds take on the first place Sudbury North Stars at 7 PM which will be followed by the nightcap under the lights at 9 PM between the Parry Island Hawks and the Pickerel River Cardinals .

                                                     Don't forget this weekend that there are two fastball tournament .There is one in Elk Lake and one other in Sagamok First Nation .

 

Have a good weekend!  Don't forget that August is just around the corner with the Ontario Summer Games starting in Greater Sudbury on August the 10th( great under 16 divisions in both girls and boys fastball as well as several other great events during a four day period) . For the teams interested the THE Annual Northern Ontario "Brad Rienguette Memorial " Ladies and Men's Fastball Championship -The Shamou Shoot Out is only 27 days away with the deadline for entry being August the 15th-its filling out quickly , therefore don't miss your chance to have your team in it .If you need a flyer just email me at er_legendre@sympatico.ca an d I'll send you one .

Keep fit sand see you on the fastball diamonds !   

 

        Yours in fastball ,

 

                    Roger Legendre league head statistician as well as public relations liaison/advisor

 

Photo 2    At bat is Bryan Welsh of the Garson Hounds ,catching from Whitefish Lake First Nation Steelers Josh Shawanda and behind the plate is Kevin Roy

Photo 1    On your left is versatile Misadis Rice while on your right is four year veteran the short stop vacum Justin Nootchtai