Hey everyone
After a rain out on Thursday while we were up 2-0 in the second, Friday saw a great start from Thomas Cameron and a resulting 8-1 win over the Elmira Expos. The only blemish on Camerons score card being a 5th inning home run. Some timely hitting and I really must say, some great defensive plays by our infield saw us through this one.
Saturday loomed as our biggest day of the tour to date with three games, the first one starting at ten in the morning against the Port Elgan Blue Devils. First time Black Sox Nathan Taikato had the ball for this one and threw a gem, allowing no runs and scattering only a few hits. Once again our defense was superb turning a couple of double key plays. Wayne Laulu blasted another big homerun and our hitters put up seven runs to record a much needed early finish in the bottom of the 6th inning.
Our next game was against the Chicago/New York team who are ranked No.2 in the world. We new we were in for a real test with one, Their team loaded with great players all over the field including two of our own in Travis Wilson and Patty Shannon.
The game started a little behind schedule due to an induction ceremony where our pitching coach, the great Robert “Chubb” Tangaroa was inducted into the area hall of fame. Congratulations Chubb, you are an inspiration to us all.
Jeremy Manly would take the ball for us and by his standards had a bit of a slow start, giving up a run in the first inning. He would settle down after the early hiccup and ended up throwing one of the best games ive seen him pitch in the Black Jersey. Craig Wallace had a strong game behind the dish and after some early communication problems with Jerry Manly, settled into his work as only a pro does. Down 1-0 we responded in the third, plating one of our own through Tyson Byrne and Jerome Raemaki, to tie the game 1-1. With Manly keeping their batters in check we scored again in the 5th through a Wayne Laulu double to center field advancing to third on a pass ball then scoring on a Thomas Makea sac fly to right. This one was going down to the wire and both teams needed this win. The seventh inning rolled around with us still up 2-1. We had spoken about finishing games off, and that’s exactly what we did, with a walk to Dan Milne, singles to Tyron Bartorillo, Rhys Casley and Wayne Laulu. The score was now 4-1 and we were three outs away from a huge win. Manly struck out two and enforced a ground out to close this one out. A great game of fastpitch that was enjoyed by a very generous and knowledgeable Kitchener crowd.
We now have another game at ten o clock this evening (about two hours time) against the Owen Sound Selects to see who goes through as top seed in the section.
The boys are rolling along nicely and we are all enjoying each others company, but, are all to aware what complacency brings ….. So tonight we will be going in hard with you all back home in mind.
R.C
