Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The Soo 18U Black Sox program wrapped up their latest tournament with a commendable 2-2 record while competing away from home in Manitowoc over the June 28th to 30th weekend despite facing stiff competition, the team showcased resilience and determination throughout the games. Each player demonstrated their skill and dedication, contributing to both victories and engaging contests. The experience gained from competing on the road will undoubtedly strengthen their camaraderie and strategic approach as they continue to grow and develop in the sport. With their heads held high, the team returns home with valuable lessons learned and a solid foundation to build upon in future tournaments.
Caleb Walker collected three hits in four at bats, but the Black Sox lost to Manitowoc Bandits 16-8 on Friday. Walker doubled in the third inning, doubled in the fourth inning, and singled in the first inning.
Manitowoc got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Ridge Guyette doubled, G Lettenburger singled, Ben Coons walked, K Braun singled, T Ducat singled, Carter Stebane singled, and Jacob Gallagher singled, each scoring one run.
The Bandits added one run in the third. Stebane grounded out, making the score 8-4.
The Soo tied the game in the top of the fourth thanks to a double by Walker, a single by Cole Masse, and a walk by Keyton Mousseau.
Manitowoc took the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Luke Mandich hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, to give the Bandits the edge, 9-8.
The Bandits scored seven runs on two hits in the bottom of the sixth inning. Ducat was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, Stebane singled, scoring one run, Gallagher drew a walk, scoring one run, Guyette drew a walk, scoring one run, and an error scored three runs.
Ducat earned the win for Manitowoc. The starting pitcher surrendered five hits and eight runs (four earned) over three and two-thirds innings, striking out two and walking eight. Chase Cerasuolo took the loss for the Soo. The right-handed pitcher went one inning, giving up seven runs (one earned) on six hits, striking out one and walking two.
Masse and Walker were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in two runs for the Black Sox. Mousseau paced the Soo with three walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, amassing 10 walks for the game.
Manitowoc accumulated 10 hits in the game. Stebane, Braun, and Lettenburger each collected two hits for the Bandits. Guyette, Stebane, Gallagher, and Ducat each drove in two runs for Manitowoc. Coons paced the Bandits with three walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, tallying 11 walks for the game. Guyette and Braun each stole multiple bases for Manitowoc Bandits. The Bandits stole seven bases in the game. Manitowoc turned two double plays in the game.
In game two of the weekend, the Black Sox 18U defeat Gladstone behind a strong performance from Cole Masse. Cole Masse struck out 11 batters as the right-handed pitcher led the Soo past Gladstone 2-0 on Saturday. Masse surrendered three hits and zero runs over seven innings while walking none.
The pitching was strong on both sides. The Black Sox pitchers struck out 11, while Gladstone sat down six.
The Soo got on the board in the top of the fourth inning after Connor Bruzas hit a sacrifice fly, and Gladstone committed an error, each scoring one run.
C Seaville took the loss for Gladstone. They went four and two-thirds innings, surrendering two runs (one earned) on two hits, striking out three and walking four.
Keyton Mousseau, Lucas Carriere, and Masse each collected one hit for the Soo. Bruzas led the team with one run batted in.
T Dunguany set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading Gladstone with two hits in three at bats.
The Black Sox will travel to Green Bay Southwest for their next game on Saturday.
Game three of the weekend saw the Soo falls to 19U GBSW Legion. 19U GBSW Legion opened the scoring in the second after Miles Hunter doubled, scoring two runs.
19U GBSW Legion added to their early lead in the top of the third inning after Donatello Badalamenti hit a sacrifice fly, and the Black Sox committed an error, each scoring one run.
Sawyer Klein earned the win for 19U GBSW Legion. They gave up three hits and zero runs over seven innings, striking out four and walking two. Nolan Toni took the loss for the Soo . The right-handed pitcher went four and one-third innings, allowing five runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out two and walking one.
Lucas DiBerardino, Lucas Carriere, and Carter Young each collected one hit for the Soo. The Black Sox turned one double play in the game.
Hunter led 19U GBSW Legion with two runs batted in from the number nine spot in the lineup. They went 1-for-3 on the day. Bryson Koehne led 19U GBSW Legion with two hits in four at bats. 19U GBSW Legion turned one double play in the game.
In the four game of the weekend on Sunday morning, the Black Sox built a 5-run lead in the fourth inning and then held off Marinette Varsity charge for an 8-6 victory on Sunday. Marinette closed the gap by scoring on a solo home run, a ground out, and an error.
Marinette Varsity got on the board in the top of the second inning after J Brano hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, and C Macgregor doubled, scoring two runs. The Soo Black Sox flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the second, scoring five runs on five hits to take a 5-3 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a double by Cole Masse that drove in three.
The Black Sox added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Michael Hapanovich grounded out, and Masse hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring one run.
Lucas Carriere earned the win for the Black Sox. They surrendered three hits and three runs (zero earned) over two innings, striking out none and walking two. B Hudson took the loss for Marinette Varsity Baseball. They went three innings, allowing eight runs (six earned) on seven hits, striking out one and walking three. Hunter Thorkilson collected the save. Lamming and Hapanovich each appeared in relief for the Soo. Masse went 1-for-2 at the plate as they led the team with three runs batted in. Keyton Mousseau and Thomas Keough each collected two hits for the Black Sox.
Macgregor led Marinette Varsity with two hits in four at bats from the leadoff position. Marinette Varsity Baseball had patience at the plate, amassing six walks for the game.
Next up for Soo Black Sox 18U is a game at Midland Tournament on Thursday, July 4th.
