The Soo 15U Dedicated Select Black Sox overcame a rain delay and an opening-game setback to storm through the field and capture the Sarnia Brigade Dedicated Select Tournament championship over the June 5th to 7th weekend. Remarkably, these were the team’s first official games of the season, showcasing a phenomenal progression and rapid improvement from game one to game five.

🌧️ Saturday: From Rain Delay to Doubleheader Dominance
A Friday night rainout forced a delayed start and a grueling Saturday triple-header. Playing in their first live action of the year, the Selects dropped a time-limited, 5-inning opening slugfest 11-8 to the Northumberland Jacks, despite multi-hit games from Dean McCaig (2-2, 2 SB) and Carter Rome (2-3), while Pressley Rome provided two stolen bases and a run.

The team shook off the rust instantly, tightening up defensively and triggering a massive offensive surge for the rest of the weekend:

• Game 2 (Soo 15, West Hill Blue Hawks 5): Maddox Guzzo earned the win in relief of starting pitcher Myles Nieson. Greg Beckerson sparked the offense (RBI hit, 3 SB, 3 runs), while Trey Guzzo legged out a triple as every single batter in the lineup scored at least once.
• Game 3 (Soo 14, Sarnia Brigade 6): In a must-win situation against the hosts, Colton Daynard got the start and Greg Beckerson locked it down on the mound with 6 strikeouts in relief to get the win. He also dominated at the plate, going 2-2 with a double, 4 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Carter Rome was a defensive standout throughout the day, catching all three games.

💥 Sunday: Playoff Mercy Rules and Championship Glory
By Sunday, the Black Sox looked like a completely different team than the one that stepped on the field Saturday morning. They saved their most dominant baseball for the playoffs, invoking the mercy rule in both matchups:

• Semi-Final (Soo 18, Mississauga Twins 0): Cooper Gaines threw a masterful 3-inning shutout, allowing just three hits. The offense exploded, highlighted by Trey Guzzo’s monster game (home run, double, single, 4 RBIs) and another 3-run, 3-RBI performance from Greg Beckerson.
• Championship Final (Soo 13, DKMB River Cats 3): Patrick Cain earned the starting win, and Ethan Pawelek fired 3 scoreless relief innings (1 hit, 3 Ks) to secure the title in 5 innings. Greg Beckerson fell just a home run short of the cycle (single, double, triple, 4 SB, 3 RBIs), while Patrick Cain drove in 4 runs. Patrick Cain had a fantastic defensive game while Colton Daynard showed great leadership throughout the tournament.

Beyond their dominant play, the 15U Selects represented their community with elite class. The team demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and deep respect for the game throughout the entire weekend. This did not go unnoticed, as opposing teams and tournament officials made a point to mention and commend the high level of respect and sportsmanship the Soo players displayed.

The coaching staff expressed immense pride in the team’s relentless effort, noting how incredibly proud they were to see the players adjust, gel as a unit, and vastly improve in all aspects of the game over the course of the five games.