Over the May 2026 long weekend on Monday, May 18th, the Soo 18U Black Sox crossed the border into Pickford, Michigan to take on the Pickford Varsity Panthers in a highly anticipated doubleheader matchup. The games gave the Black Sox another strong test against U.P. competition as both teams battled through a competitive late afternoon of baseball.
In game one of the doubleheader against the Panthers, the Black Sox were triumphant over Panthers 6-3 on Monday.
Pickford got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Bennin doubled down the left field line, and Rye singled to center field, each scoring one run.
A double by Bennin extended the Panthers lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning.
Ty Cond hit into a fielder’s choice, which helped the Soo tie the game at three in the top of the fourth.
The Black Sox took the lead, 6-3, in the top of the fifth thanks to doubles by Turco, and Jakson Carroll.
Tye Turco earned the win for the Soo. The hurler gave up six hits and three runs over six innings, striking out six and walking one. Wiltfong took the loss for Pickford. The pitcher went one inning, surrendering zero runs on zero hits, striking out three and walking one. Barber began the game for the Panthers. The starter allowed two hits and one run over two innings, striking out one and walking five.
Carroll provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led the Black Sox with two runs batted in. The infielder went 2-for-4 on the day. Turco set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading the Soo with three hits in four at bats. The Black Sox had a strong eye at the plate, amassing 10 walks for the game. Cond, John Giallonardo, Ryan Oliver, and Thomas Keough led the team with two free passes each. Giallonardo stole two bases. The Soo turned one double play in the game.
The Black Sox didn’t commit a single error in the field. Keough had the most chances in the field with seven.
Gunner Bennin provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led the Panthers with two runs batted in. The 3-hole hitter went 2-for-3 on the day. Bennin, Carter Rye, and Mason Andrzejak each collected two hits fBlack Sox coach Jason Thorburn told Saultsports that “what stood out most was the way the team competed from first pitch to last pitch. Offensively we followed the gameplan which was to be aggressive at the plate and put pressure on them early and often. Defensively I was very happy with the teams focus and communication and making the routine plays consistently. For a team still building team chemistry and identity with a lot of new faces it was encouraging to see.”
“The coaching staff loved that the players brought the same intensity, positivity and team approach against the Voyageurs as they did against the Bulldogs. Even though the weather wasn’t good and field conditions weren’t good our players never let that bother them. Its an early sign that all 12 players are mentally focused and prepared to do whatever it takes, in whatever conditions to be successful as a team, added Thorburn.
Thorburn also said that “it’s really important. When nine out of the team’s twelve players are new faces, the first part of the season is less about perfection and more about building trust, confidence and identity as a team. Strong early performances can help new Blacksox players settle in and create positive momentum going into our first tournament this weekend in Simcoe, Ontario. At the same time, momentum early in the year can set the tone for team culture which we as a coaching staff are very big one.”or Pickford.
Game two of the doubleheader in Pickford on Monday in a 6:30 p.m opening pitch with Cond a difficult out as the Black Sox defeat the Panthers.
Cond collected three hits in four at bats, as the Black Sox defeated the Panthers 15-7 on Monday. Cond doubled in the third inning, singled in the sixth inning, and singled in the first inning.
The Soo jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning after an error scored one run, Keough singled, scoring one run, Palahnuk doubled, scoring one run, Oliver singled, scoring two runs, and Turco grounded out, scoring one run.
The Black Sox scored five runs on three hits in the top of the second inning. Oliver singled, scoring one run, Cond drew a walk, scoring one run, Keough singled, scoring two runs, and Turco grounded out, scoring one run.
The Soo added one run in the third after Palahnuk hit a sacrifice fly.
Logan Rohe earned the win for the Black Sox. The starting pitcher allowed two hits and two runs over two innings, striking out one and walking one. Mac Collins took the loss for Pickford. The hurler went one and one-third innings, allowing one run on one hit, striking out two and walking one. Jacob Mitchell started the game for the Panthers. The starting pitcher gave up six hits and six runs (four earned) over one-third of an inning, striking out none and walking one. Cerasuolo and Keough each appeared in relief for the BlackSox.
The Soo collected 13 hits in the game. Cond and Keough were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected three hits for the Black Sox. Oliver led the Soo with three runs batted in. The first baseman went 2-for-4 on the day. Owen Nott collected two hits for the Black Sox 18U in two at bats. The Soo had patience at the plate, piling up eight walks for the game.
Turco, Giallonardo, and Cond led the team with two free passes each. The Black Sox turned one double play in the game. The Black Sox were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Turco made the most plays with nine.
Mason Kersten and Kaden Wiltfong were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in two runs for Pickford. Bennin went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the Panthers in hits. Andrzejak collected two hits for Pickford in three at bats.
The Soo 18U Black Sox return to Michigan on Thursday, May 21st for another doubleheader as they take on the Rudyard Varsity Bulldogs, with first pitch scheduled for 4:00 p.m and 6:15 p.m. The Black Sox will look to carry momentum into the matchup after earning an impressive 11-4 victory over the Bulldogs during their previous meeting on May 9th in Michigan.
