The Honourable Michael D. Chong, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Opening Ceremonies of the Junior National Tournament, hosted by Guelph, ON.
Baseball Canada Vice-President Linda Lewis, Guelph MPP Liz Sandals, Guelph Mayor Kate Quarrie, and Tournament Chairman Larry Pearson, accompanied Mr. Chong, who was the Chief Information Officer for the National Hockey League prior to his 2004 election.
In the game that followed, Guelph defeated Newfoundland/Labrador 3-1 in a well-pitched, defensive game.
Winning pitcher Jason Muller hurled a complete game five hitter, surrendering just five hits, and striking out seven.
In addition, Guelph catcher Mike Lajoie was 2-for-3 with 2 RBI in the game.
In other Junior action: Alberta narrowly edged Nova Scotia 6-4; and Ontario defeated Saskatchewan 2-1 in a fine display of pitching prowess.
Highlights from those games include:
St. Thomas Tomcats’ pitcher Craig Bate, representing Ontario, hurled a complete game three hitter, allowing just one unearned run, while striking out 11, and earning the win.
On the losing end, Regina Athletics’ starter Todd Glemser, representing Saskatchewan, fanned nine, giving up two runs, of which only one was earned.
Day 1 PeeWee Boys games saw: Québec defeat Saskatchewan 18-4 in a shortened five-inning game; host Victoria out-slugging Manitoba 17-3; P.E.I. narrowly topping New Brunswick 5-4; and Alberta doubling up on Nova Scotia 12-6
Notable performances included:
Québec’s N. Hazma went 2-for-2, with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored, in a win against Sask.
Victoria left fielder, Matthew Ney, and centre fielder, Alex Dumais, both contributed with 4 RBI apiece in their game against Manitoba.
P.E.I. first baseman C. MacNeill went 2-for-4, with 3 RBI, helping his team come away with a win.
In Day 1Bantam Boys action: Newfoundland and Labrador fell 15-1 to Québec; B.C. had little trouble with Manitoba, winning 12-1; and New Brunswick squeaked out a 1-0 win over Saskatchewan.
In later first day action from the Midget Championship: B.C. edged Alberta 6-2; Manitoba shut out Newfoundland and Labrador 9-0; and New Brunswick out slugged P.E.I. 7-0.
Turning in impressive performances:
B.C. starting pitcher Matthew Atkinson hurled 5.3 innings, striking out eight, and surrendering just one earned run on four hits for the win. Reliever Russell Taylor finished the remainder of the game without giving up a hit or run
Manitoba catcher Kiel Armstrong turned in an impressive effort, going 2-for-4 at the dish, driving in two runs.
New Brunswick right fielder Dan Reid was 2-for-4 in the contest, with 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored.
The second part of Day 1 at the Senior Men’s Championship saw: Ontario 2 defeat B.C. 6-4; Saskatchewan beating host Brandon 5-4 in an extra-inning affair; and Québec winning 5-1 in their match versus Alberta.
Highlights from these games include:
Ontario 2 first baseman Shaun McGuire’s clutch 3 RBI performance, sparking the offence.
Saskatchewan starting pitcher Ryan Koback pitched seven innings in the tight game, giving up just two hits and three runs, turning the ball over to team mate Dave Morari, who came in to pitch the eighth and take the win.
Québec designated hitter Nicolas Matte went 2-for-4, driving in two runs, helping to alleviate Alberta pressure.
For more information on Baseball Canada’s Championships, please follow the Championship link on www.baseball.ca to your desired Championship.
