Vancouver, BC
The 5th Annual Vancouver Challenge Mens FP tournament concluded just prior to 6:00 pm local time on Sunday evening. The large crowd of fastpitch enthusiasts were once again treated to some high quality team and individual performances. Unfortunately mother nature was not so kind to the event on Sunday as a 75 minute rain delay during the first games in the morning, set things back somewhat in terms of the scheduling. Thanks to the teams and umpires cooperation, coupled with the grounds crew efforts, along with clearing skies and pleasant weather the rest of the day the event went off without any further delays.
Sunday’s playoff matchup results were as follows:
Vancouver Grey Sox 4 – Richmond Stealers 3
WP – Sean Whitten with relief from Nick Underhill (5)
LP – John Bishop
Vancouver jumped out to an early 4 run lead, and then the scrappy Richmond
team battled their way back into the game, which included having runners in
scoring position in the 7th, before the rally was ended. Gerry Kennedy
paced the Grey Sox offense with a double and 2 run homerun. With the win
the Grey Sox advanced to the semi – final vs. CR Portland.
Saskatoon Diamondbacks 11 – Prince George Black Bears 5
WP – Jeff Farion (2) in relief of Zach Flath
LP – Mike Egerdeen (2) in relief of starter Heine Shannon. Richie Clark (6)
and Dan Karr (7) also made pitching appearances for the Black Bears.
Prince George was leading 5 – 3 when the previously mentioned rain delay
occurred. Upon resumption of play the Saskatoon bats came alive sparking
them to the victory. Jason Hill lead the D’ Backs offense with a 3 for 3
performance. With the victory Saskatoon advanced to the semi final vs. So
Cal Bombers.
Vancouver Grey Sox 3 – Portland CR 2 ( 8 innings)
WP – Rick Smith (5) in relief of Nick Underhill
LP – Roberto Bahler (6) in relief of Mike Piechnik
This see saw battle provided the many fans in attendance with just about everything. Portland short stop Brian Ree hit the first pitch of the bottom of the 1st out of the yard for an early lead. The Grey Sox tied it only to see Portland take the lead again, which set up the dramatics in the Grey Sox 7th. With 2 outs and a runner in scoring position a very unfortunate Portland error allowed the tieing run to cross the plate, and with that the Grey Sox used that momentum to score in the 8th under the international tiebreaker rule for the victory. With the victory the Grey Sox advanced to the championship final game.
So Cal Bombers 8 – Saskatoon Diamondbacks 1
WP – Travis Price
LP – Jeff Farion
The Bombers bats stayed hot as they jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in cruising to the victory. With the win So Cal advanced to the championship final vs. the host Grey Sox.
Championship Game – Vancouver Grey Sox 9 – So Cal Bombers 0
WP – Rick Smith
LP – Ryan Brand with relief from Tyson Barkman (4)
The Grey Sox bats came alive at key moments producing timely hits in this contest. Clayton Beck with a 3 run homerun in the top of the 1st paced Vancouver to an early 4 – 0 lead which they never looked back from.
Individual Tournament Awards
Top Hitter – Glenn Ormsby, So Cal Bombers, 750. batting average
Top Pitcher – Mike Piechnik, Portland CR – 2 wins, 1.20 era in 18 innings
MVP – Kevin Schellenberg, Vancouver Grey Sox, 525. batting average, 7 runs
scored and 4 RBIs
Tournament Highlights:
* A very committed and dedicated volunteer group who worked long hours to execute the event. To the many people who staffed the gate, concession area, beverage gardens, groomed the fields etc. sold 50 /50 tickets and did everything possible to make the event happen we extend a special thanks. Also kudos to George Morneau (father of major league baseball star – Justin
Morneau – Minnesota Twins) who went out of his way to assist the event in any way possible including personally selling 50/50 tickets and assisting with raffles etc.
* Special thanks to the So Cal Bombers for their first class conduct in ensuring they fielded a team on Sunday afternoon despite flight schedules, so the many fastpitch fans could witness a final game for the event.
* To the team of umpires, kudos for a consistent and fine job in officiating the games throughout the weekend.
* Sincere thanks to our partners South Hill Sports for co – operating the event. As well of course to our participating teams the So Cal Bombers, Saskatoon Diamondbacks, Prince George Black Bears, Squamish Wizards, Richmond Stealers, Portland CR … our sincere appreciation for attending and we look forward to doing it all over again in 2007.
The Grey Sox compiled a record of 6 – 1 on the weekend, bringing their overall season record to 37 – 8. Next stop – Kitchener, Ontario and the ISC World Tournament.
Larry Kancs
President
Vancouver Grey Sox
www.vancouvergreysox.com