Fresh off back-to-back victories in a doubleheader against the Newberry Varsity Bulldogs in Newberry, Michigan on Tuesday, May 26th, the Soo 18U Black Sox returned across the International Bridge on Wednesday, May 27th for another pair of games against the Sault High Varsity Blue Devils. Riding the momentum from the previous night, the Black Sox looked to continue their strong play in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.
The Black Sox fell 5-2 to the Blue Devils on Wednesday despite out-hitting them seven to six. Gabriel Marrelli, Henry Currie, Tye Turco, Bryson Palahnuk, Chase Cerasuolo, Ryan Oliver, and Aaron Keough each collected one hit for the Soo.
The Black Sox were the first to get on the board in the first when Oliver singled, scoring one run.
Sault High School captured the lead, 3-1, in the bottom of the fourth after Mike Morse singled to center field, Aiden Chapman grounded into a fielder’s choice, and Mack Kavanaugh doubled down the left field line, each scoring one run.
Morse earned the win for Sault the Blue Devils. The hurler gave up seven hits and two runs over six innings, striking out three and walking one. Turco took the loss for the Black Sox. The starter went five innings, surrendering five runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking none.
Oliver and Keough each drove in one run for the Soo.
Number nine hitter, Gabe Bontrager, showed the depth of the Blue Devils’ lineup, by leading them with two hits in two at bats. Chapman, Kavanaugh, and Carter Samuelson each drove in one run for Sault High. The Blue Devils turned two double plays in the game.
In game two in Sault Ste Marie on Wednesday, the Black Sox could not keep up with Sault High 4-0.
The Blue Devils got on the board in the fourth inning after Mack Kavanaugh hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.
Jonathan Schupp earned the win for Sault High. The pitcher gave up two hits and zero runs over six innings, striking out one and walking two. Jacob Scornaiencki took the loss for the Black Sox. The hurler went five innings, giving up four runs (zero earned) on five hits, striking out three and walking none.
Ty Cond and Richard Cond each collected one hit for the Black Sox.
Andrew Aikens drove the middle of the lineup, leading the Blue Devils with two runs batted in. The cleanup hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Schupp stole two bases. The Blue Devils were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Mike Morse made the most plays with eight.
Next action for the Black Sox will be at home on Sunday, May 31st when they take on the Soo 15U Black Sox in a doubleheader with opening pitches at 11:00 a.m and 1:20 p.m.
