On Saturday, May 17th, the Soo 15U Black Sox crossed the St. Mary’s River and made the trip south to Rudyard, Michigan for a doubleheader against the Rudyard Varsity Bulldogs. The Black Sox looked to continue building momentum as they faced off against the Bulldogs in international action.

Slukynsky with three hits as the Black Sox beat Bulldogs. Freddy Slukynsky collected three hits in four at bats, as the Soo defeated Rudyard 18-4 on Saturday. Freddy Slukynsky singled in the fourth inning, singled in the third inning, and singled in the fifth inning.

A dropped third strike put the Bulldogs on the board in the bottom of the first.

The Soo flipped the game on its head in the top of the second, scoring seven runs on four hits to take the lead, 7-1. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Damian Beharriell that drove in one.

The Black Sox extended their early lead with three runs in the top of the third thanks to RBI singles by Kaleb Marrelli and Ethan Myers.

The Soo scored eight runs on four hits in the top of the fourth inning. Luca D’Ulisse singled, scoring one run, Kaleb Marrelli drew a walk, scoring one run, Freddy Slukynsky singled, scoring three runs, Ethan Myers singled, scoring one run, Brayden Boulrice was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, and Angus Bell drew a walk, scoring one run.

Devon Grbich earned the win for the Soo. The hurler gave up two hits and three runs (two earned) over two and two-thirds innings, striking out five and walking one. Middleton took the loss for Rudyard. The starting pitcher went two and one-third innings, giving up 10 runs on seven hits, striking out none and walking eight. Ethan Myers collected the save.

The Black Sox tallied twelve hits in the game. Ethan Myers and Freddy Slukynsky were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected three hits for the Soo. Kaleb Marrelli, Ethan Myers, and Freddy Slukynsky each drove in three runs for the Black Sox. Gavin Bisaillon collected two hits for the Soo in two at bats. The Soo had a strong eye at the plate, accumulating 13 walks for the game. Gavin Bisaillon, Angus Bell, and Luca D’Ulisse led the team with two free passes each. Bryce Perrott, Kaleb Marrelli, Ethan Myers, and Damian Beharriell each stole multiple bases for the Black Sox. The Soo stole 11 bases in the game.

Mayer, Bickel, and Enriquez each collected one hit for Rudyard. Bickel and Enriquez each stole multiple bases for the Bulldogs. Rudyard stole seven bases in the game. The Bulldogs turned two double plays in the game.

In game two of the doubleheader on Saturday, the Soo easily dispatched Bulldogs, 23-6.

The Black Sox jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after Ethan Myers singled, scoring one run, Devon Grbich doubled, scoring one run, Gavin Bisaillon drew a walk, scoring one run, Mitch McLeod singled, scoring one run, Angus Bell singled, scoring two runs, Damian Beharriell singled, scoring one run, and Freddy Slukynsky drew a walk, scoring one run.

The Soo scored seven runs on two hits in the top of the second inning. Brayden Boulrice singled, scoring two runs, Mitch McLeod drew a walk, scoring one run, Angus Bell drew a walk, scoring one run, Kaleb Marrelli doubled, scoring two runs, and Freddy Slukynsky drew a walk, scoring one run.

The Black Sox scored eight runs on eight hits in the top of the third inning. Gavin Bisaillon grounded out, scoring one run, Mitch McLeod singled, scoring one run, Angus Bell doubled, scoring one run, Damian Beharriell singled, scoring one run, Kaleb Marrelli singled, scoring one run, Ethan Myers singled, scoring one run, Bryce Perrott singled, scoring one run, and Luca D’Ulisse drew a walk, scoring one run.

Brayden Boulrice earned the win for the Soo. The southpaw gave up five hits and six runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking four. Bickel took the loss for the Bulldogs. The starter went one inning, giving up eight runs on five hits, striking out none and walking five. Gavin Bisaillon collected the save.

The Black Sox piled up 15 hits in the game. Mitch McLeod, Kaleb Marrelli, Ethan Myers, Damian Beharriell, Angus Bell, and Brayden Boulrice each collected two hits for the Soo. Kaleb Marrelli and Angus Bell each drove in three runs for the Black Sox. Freddy Slukynsky paced the Soo with four walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, accumulating 16 walks for the game. The Black Sox ran wild on the base paths, accumulating six stolen bases for the game.

Perkins, Middleton, Mayer, Bickel, and Enriquez each collected one hit for Rudyard. Clark, Bickel, and Enriquez each drove in one run for the Bulldogs. Bickel stole two bases.

On Sunday, May 18th at Sinclair Yards in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the Black Sox welcomed the Junior Voyageurs for a scheduled doubleheader matchup. Unfortunately, weather forced the cancellation of the second game of the day, but not before the Soo put together another strong offensive performance in a 13-6 victory over the Voyageurs in game one. The Black Sox continued to showcase their ability to generate offense while staying consistent at the plate as they improved their momentum heading into tournament action later this week.

Black Sox coach Jason Thorburn told Saultsports that “what stood out most was the way the team competed from first pitch to last pitch. Offensively we followed the gameplan which was to be aggressive at the plate and put pressure on them early and often. Defensively I was very happy with the teams focus and communication and making the routine plays consistently. For a team still building team chemistry and identity with a lot of new faces it was encouraging to see.”

“The coaching staff loved that the players brought the same intensity, positivity and team approach against the Voyageurs as they did against the Bulldogs. Even though the weather wasn’t good and field conditions weren’t good our players never let that bother them. Its an early sign that all twelve players are mentally focused and prepared to do whatever it takes, in whatever conditions to be successful as a team, added Thorburn.

Thorburn also said that “it’s really important. When nine out of the team’s twelve players are new faces, the first part of the season is less about perfection and more about building trust, confidence and identity as a team. Strong early performances can help new Blacksox players settle in and create positive momentum going into our first tournament this weekend in Simcoe, Ontario. At the same time, momentum early in the year can set the tone for team culture which we as a coaching staff are very big one.”

The Black Sox will now shift their focus to southern Ontario as they travel to compete in the 2026 15U/Major Bantam A and Under Tournament running from May 22nd to 24th. The Soo opens tournament play on Friday, May 22nd at 5:30 p.m against the host Simcoe Giants. Day two begins with an 11:15 a.m matchup against the Pickering Red Sox before wrapping up round robin play later that evening at 8:15 p.m against the LaSalle Titans Gold.