After a hard losing weekend in Alpena, the Soo Black Sox headed across the St Mary’s River on Monday, May 6th to take on the Pickford Panthers in a doubleheader in Pickford, Michigan.

The Black Sox opened the doubleheader with a 15 – 6 win over the Panthers while in game two of the afternoon, the Soo defeated Pickford 12 – 6 thanks in part to a nine run first inning. Keyton Mousseau doblued, scoring two runs, Thomas Keough, singled, scoring one run, Hunter Thorkilson and Zach Allard each singled, scoring one run apiece while Lucas Carriere was struck by a pitch driving home one more run. Carter Young drew a walk that added to the inning total while Caleb Walker doubled, scoring two runs to finish the inning.

The Black Sox added to their early lead in the bottom of the third after Tye Turco singled and Walker hit into a fielder’s choice, each scoring one run.

In the top of the fourth, Pickford scored two runs on a home run by Panther Gunner Bennin to centre field, scoring two runs for the hosts. Carriere earned the win for the Soo. They gave up three hits and two runs (zero earned) over two innings, striking out one and walking two. Mac Collins took the loss for the Panthers. The starting pitcher went two-thirds of an inning, allowing nine runs on six hits, striking out none and walking two. Thorkilson and Keough each appeared in relief for the Black Sox in the win.

Walker drove the middle of the lineup, leading the Soo with four runs battled in. The number three hitter went 1-for-4 on the day. Mousseau led the Black Sox with two hits in three at bats. Ryan Oliver paced the Soo with three walks. Overall, the Black Sox had patience at the plate, piling up eight walks for game two. The Soo turned a one double play in the win.

The Panthers collected ten hits in the game with leadoff hitter Bennin leading Pickford with three hits in four at bats. Carter Rye collected two hits for the Panthers in four at bats. Tommy Storey stole two bases for the Panthers in the Black Sox fourth win of the 2024 18U season.

The Black Sox will be the Gaylord Varsity Blue Devils in a doubleheader on Thursday, May 9th with start times of 4:00 p.m and 6:00 p.m in Gaylord, Michigan.