The 11U Trio Supply Soo Black Sox were in Sudbury on the Saturday, August 18th and Sunday, August 19th weekend where they played an exhibition series with the Valley East Voyageurs and the Muskoka Hornets to prepare for the Provincial Championships in Hamilton, Ontario over the Labour Day weekend.
The Soo was able to secure 4 wins that included a no-hitter against the Muskoka Hornets.
Saturday, August 19 (12:30 p.m)
Game 1 vs Valley East Voyageurs
Devon Grbich paced the Black Sox going 3 for 4 with 5 RBI’s while Bryce Balgue and Evan Hirvi had multiple hits. Hirvi was also the winning pitcher going 4 innings allowing 4 runs while Evan Reynolds came on in relief for their 13-6 win.
Saturday, August 19 (3:00 p.m)
Game 2 vs. Muskoka Hornets
Nine of the ten players in the lineup got hits in their 17-7 mercy win. Grbich and Balgue led the offense hitting a combined 6 for 6 with 5 and 2 RBI’s respectively. Starter, Maddox Guzzo pitched 4 innings to secure the win.
Sunday, August 20 (10:00 a.m)
Game 3 vs. Muskoka Hornets
Grbich and Balgue again teamed up to be a lethal 1-2 punch, but it was on the mound as they combined for a no-hitter in their 11-2 win. Grbich was dominant as he pitched 4 scoreless innings including 10 K’s and 2 BB. Balgue pitched 3 innings, striking out 2 batters and allowing 2 unearned runs.
Sunday, August 20 (12:30 p.m)
Game 4 vs. Valley East Voyageurs
The heat played a factor in their second game of the day, but they found a way to battle back for a 17-13 win. Down 13-9 going into the open inning, the Soo was able to score the maximum 8 runs to secure the win. Brayden Morley picked up the win in relief of starter Mitchell McLeod. Grbich, Reynolds, and McLeod paced the offense with multiple hits.
“This was a good tune up for Provincials, but the competition will be much stronger in a couple weeks.” “Playing back-to-back games in the heat was a good learning experience because it affected their focus. I was proud of the way they regrouped and grinded out a last inning win,” added coach Steve McLeod.
The 11U Trio Supply Soo Black Sox still have four more practices and an exhibition game remaining and we’ll use them to fine tune a few more items as we get ready for provincials over the Labour Day weekend.
Source: Steve McLeod
