Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
On Sunday, July 19, the Soo 18U Black Sox returned to Sinclair Yards to host their cross-border rivals, the E.U.P. Wood Ducks, in a highly anticipated doubleheader. The Black Sox entered the day looking to build momentum after posting a 2-2 record during tournament action in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, over the July 10-12 weekend. With another opportunity to compete against a familiar opponent, the Black Sox aimed to put together a strong performance on home turf as they continue their summer schedule.
In game one of the doubleheader in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario on Sunday strong hitting was not enough as the Black Sox lost to the Wood Ducks.
Even though the Black Sox collected eight hits to the Wood Ducks’ five, they still fell 4-3. Kolton Tremblay, Ty Cond, Tye Turco, Bryson Palahnuk, J.A Giallonardo, Ryan Oliver, Logan Rohe, and Jakson Carroll each collected one hit for the Black Sox.
The Black Sox was right in it until the Wood Ducks singled in the seventh inning.
The Wood Ducks got on the board in the top of the second inning after Jimmy Mckee grounded out, and the Wood Ducks scored on a wild pitch, each scoring one run.
The Black Sox tied the game up in the bottom of the second thanks to two singles. SooBlackSox 18U tied the game at two on a single by Carroll.
A walk by Micah Morrison gave the Wood Ducks the lead, 3-2, in the top of the third.
Turco singled down the right field line, which helped the Black Sox tie the game at three in the bottom of the fifth.
Michael Morse earned the win for the Wood Ducks. The righty surrendered eight hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out three and walking none. Jacob Scornaiencki took the loss for the Black Sox. The reliever went four innings, surrendering one run on four hits, striking out one and walking none. Tremblay started the game for the Black Sox. The hurler allowed one hit and three runs (one earned) over three innings, striking out four and walking four.
Turco and Giallonardo each drove in one run for the Black Sox. The Black Sox turned two double plays in the game.
Aiden Chapman and Mckee were tough to handle back-to-back in the lineup, as each drove in one run for the Wood Ducks. Number seven hitter, Mckee, showed the depth of the Wood Ducks lineup, by leading them with two hits in three at bats.
In game two of the doubleheader at Sinclair Yards, the Black Sox looked to even the doubleheader in their second game against the Wood Ducks. Kolton Tremblay had three hits as the Black Sox beat the Wood Ducks.
Kolton Tremblay collected three hits in three at bats, as the Black Sox defeated the Wood Ducks, 12-5. Tremblay singled in the sixth inning, singled in the first inning, and singled in the second inning.
The Black Sox jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Bryson Palahnuk singled, scoring two runs, and Thomas Keough hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run.
The Black Sox added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning when Tye Turco grounded out, scoring one run, and an error scored two runs.
The Black Sox added one run in the third. Jacob Scornaiencki grounded out, making the score 7-0.
The Wood Ducks scored five runs on three hits in the top of the fifth inning. Isaak Morrison singled, scoring two runs, Cooper Jones was struck by a pitch, driving in a run, and Boo Hibbard drew a walk, scoring one run.
Ryan Oliver earned the win for the Black Sox. The starting pitcher surrendered five hits and four runs over four and one-third innings, striking out one and walking two. Hibbard took the loss for the Wood Ducks. The pitcher went four innings, allowing six runs (four earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking two. Johnson led things off on the mound for the Wood Ducks. The starter gave up three hits and three runs over one inning, striking out none and walking two. Turco tossed two and two-thirds innings of scoreless ball for the Black Sox in relief. The reliever surrendered one hit, striking out two and walking one.
The Black Sox piled up 11 hits in the game. Tremblay and Turco were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected three hits for the Black Sox. Palahnuk and Keough each drove in two runs for the Black Sox. Aaron Keough led the Black Sox with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, piling up six walks for the game. Tremblay stole three bases. The Black Sox stole eight bases in the game. The Black Sox turned one double play in the game.
Morrison led the Wood Ducks with two runs batted in. The left-handed hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Eric Ardoin and Morrison each collected two hits for the Wood Ducks. Jones and Morrison each stole multiple bases for the Wood Ducks. The Wood Ducks stole eight bases in the game.
The Black Sox are back in action on Monday, July 29th when they head to Gaylord, Michigan to take on the Gaylord Baseball Club in a doubleheader.
