Over the Friday, June 30th to July 2nd weekend, the Soo U18 Black Sox headed south of the border to take part in the 2023 Gabby Mills July Fourth Invitational in Midland, Michigan.
After defeating the Gladwin Lightning 11-1 to open the 2023 Gabby Mills July Fourth Invitational in Midland, the Soo U18 Black Sox took to the diamond to face the Midland Explorers in game two of the afternoon with Connor Bruzas drove in four runs on one hit to lead Soo Black Sox 18U past Midland Explores 9-1 on Friday. In the sixth inning, Bruzas singled, scoring two runs.
The bottom of the lineup was strong for Soo Black Sox 18U. Owen Daynard, Caleb Walker, and Kolton Tremblay combined for four of the team’s eight hits in their victory. They scored four runs and drove in one.
Soo Black Sox 18U got on the board in the top of the second inning after Tremblay drew a walk, scoring one run, an error scored two runs, and Lucas DiBerardino singled, scoring two runs.
Tremblay earned the win for Soo Black Sox 18U. The starting pitcher surrendered one hit and one run (zero earned) over five innings, striking out seven and walking four. Arthur took the loss for Midland Explores. They went four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on six hits, striking out two and walking none. McDonald stepped on the hill first for Midland Explores. They gave up two hits and five runs (three earned) over one and one-third innings, striking out three and walking four. Nolan Toni tossed one inning of no-run ball for Soo Black Sox 18U in relief. The reliever surrendered zero hits, striking out none and walking one.
DiBerardino, Walker, and Tremblay each collected two hits for Soo Black Sox 18U.
Brown went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead Midland Explores in hits. Midland Explores turned one double play in the game.
In game one with the Black Sox opening the 2023 Gabby Mills July Fourth Invitational against the Gladwin Lighting Friday afternoon, the Soo Black Sox 18U easily dispatched Gladwin Lighting on Friday, 11-1.
Soo Black Sox 18U got on the board in the first inning after Matthew Forsey singled, scoring two runs.
An error, and a walk by Kolton Tremblay helped Soo Black Sox 18U extend their early lead in the second.
Soo Black Sox 18U added to their early lead in the top of the third inning after Lucas DiBerardino walked, and Connor Bruzas was struck by a pitch, each scoring one run.
Owen Daynard earned the win for Soo Black Sox 18U. They allowed three hits and one run over five innings, striking out five and walking one. Corlew took the loss for Gladwin Lighting. They went three innings, surrendering four runs (three earned) on two hits, striking out two and walking four. Love led things off on the hill for Gladwin Lighting. The starting pitcher allowed two hits and seven runs (three earned) over two innings, striking out two and walking five.
Lucas Carriere, Soo Black Sox 18U’s number eight hitter, led the team with two hits in two at-bats. Bruzas went 1-for-3 at the plate as the infielder led the team with two runs batted in. Soo Black Sox 18U had a strong eye at the plate, piling up nine walks for the game. DiBerardino, Nolan Toni, and Tremblay led the team with two bases on balls each. Tremblay stole three bases. Soo Black Sox 18U were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Caleb Walker had the most chances in the field with seven.
Miieslee led Gladwin Lighting with two hits in three at bats. Cingano led the team with one run batted in.
Game three will now be Saturday afternoon in Midland when the U18 Black Sox face Rosebush Legion in game three of the 2023 Gabby Mills July Fourth Invitational at 3:00 p.m in Midland, Michigan.
