The Inside Pitch
Junior rookies get the better of their mothers, for once
By Lee-Ann Brinovec Junior rookie

The TVS Development junior rookie team played perhaps their most challenging game of the season as they took to the field against their Moms last week.

The mothers of these talented ball players had a chance to see first hand how good these players really are. The kids took to the field first as the home team, and it was the Moms' chance to get some runs. Lori Valentine was the lead-off hitter and made us all proud as she smashed out a triple. It was a good thing because the next four batters could only manage singles and were turned away from first base by the defence of Adam Cipollone, who made four consecutive outs, with the help of pitchers Emily Brinovec and Connor Harris.

The Moms took to the field somewhat disheartened, but not ready to give up. Emily Brinovec stepped to the plate as the lead-off batter for the youngsters and hit a ball that eluded second baseman Heather Krever. Magnus Krever sent Emily across home plate with a long double as Dottie Harris struggled a little with her throwing ability. Germaine Falzone, playing at the pitchers position, impressed us all (including her daughter Rose) when she caught Rose's pop fly. Perhaps Gregory and Zachary's mom Meche Long, playing at first, demonstrated the best defense. With Gregory having reached base on a single, his brother stepped up to the plate and hit a line drive right at Mom. Meche snagged it and tagged Gregory who had left the base assuming his mom did not have a chance of catching it. Mom had made a double play sending both of her boys back to the dugout.

Linda Sala, playing catcher, couldn't help smiling as her son Michael hit a single past third baseman Lee-Ann, Emily's mom.

As the Mom's took their second turn at bat, it was evident that everyone was going to have to get a base hit to make it a game. With two on, Allison Keilty, Jake's mom, hit a triple bringing in two runners, and it would have been a home run if not for the strong throwing arm of Adam Cachicone in centre field. As the kids stepped up to the plate for their last at bat, it was soon evident to the Moms in the field that the game was all but over. Every player on the team reached base on some amazing hits and perhaps some sloppy fielding. To add insult to injury, Adam Cipollone, the last batter, hit a home run cashing in three RBIs.

Once again the Moms went down to defeat, but not without a battle. I can honestly say it was the most fun I have personally had at a

ball game this year, and hats off the junior rookie players that showed us all what great coaching, skill and determination can bring.

Rookie

The King Township Baseball association hosted the rookie semi-finals and championship games in King City Saturday. Glen Hulse Plumbing had a playoff record of two wins and two losses that secured a spot in the semi-final game at 10 a.m., where they played against the King 2 team, Schomberg IGA. The offence of Glen Hulse Plumbing was outstanding as Connor Brunt was three-forthree at the plate with two doubles and a single. Also perfect at the plate were

Myles Cook, Adrian Velloci, Alexander Brunato, Nicolas Sulley and Jessica Bowman. A third-inning double from Scott Aubin contributed to a decisive win for the Glen Hulse team over their King Township counterparts. It also meant that Glen Hulse would have a spot in the championship game. Player of the game for Glen Hulse Plumbing was Nicolas Sulley for his sharp defensive play and his perfect plate appearances.

The 4 p.m. championship game was a close match between Priestly Demolition from Aurora and Glen Hulse Plumbing. Once again Connor Brunt was a force at the plate just a home run short of hitting for the cycle. Myles Cook was three-forthree with two singles and a double, as was Adrian Velloci with a double and two singles. Sean and Alan Beer contributed to the offence with single base hits each. Matthew Iannuci connected for his first base hits of the season, stroking out two singles. Parker Harris put in a strong performance at first and third base and Connor Brunt made a spectacular catch at third to end a Priestly Demolition rally in the fourth inning. But it was not enough, and Glen Hulse Plumbing lost a close game 15-12. Player of the game was Matthew Iannuci.

Mosquito

The RCR Royal LePage mosquito team has played a lot of baseball in the last two weeks.

Having spent a weekend in the SOBA tournament, playing five games in two days, it was back to the playoffs last Monday night.

The week started with a close 8-6 win over BMO Mortgages in Nobleton. Tristan Joseph led the charge at the plate with three singles, crossing home plate three times.

Tuesday night, they traveled to Bradford to take on Flex'n'Gate with a short bench and rookie call-up Connor Brunt in the line-up. After the game, is was quite clear that Connor is more than ready to make the move to mosquito next year. He made an outstanding play at third to pick up a ball that was overthrown and make a perfect throw to Tristan at home plate who tagged out the runner. Connor also recorded the first out of the scoreless third inning, knocking down a hard hit ground ball and reaching first base before the Bradford player.

The mosquito team was on a roll as they headed to Aurora Friday to take on the Rotary Club of Aurora. It was the outstanding pitching of Jonathan Mele and Patrick Price that led their team to a 7-0 win.

Saturday morning they found themselves once again in Aurora, facing Aurora Estate.ca for a chance to capture first place in the playoffs. It was a combination of timely hitting, stellar pitching and defense that allowed the RCR Royal LePage team to hand A1 a 8-3 loss. The highlight of the game was the base hit by Gavin Datt in the fourth, his first base hit of the season.

It was on to the semifinals in the afternoon. They were outstanding at the plate, handing BMO Mortgages a 15-6 loss and earning a berth in the finals Sunday. After the game the players enjoyed a pizza party thanks to the hit by Gavin in the game earlier in the day.

The players on the Royal LePage team started to show their fatigue as they made some costly errors in the field and could not make up ground at the plate. The pitchers for the Rotary Club were outstanding and the King Cobras lost a heartbreaker 10-6.

The players have to be commended for their outstanding play this season and it was quite evident that each and every player has improved in skill and gained confidence as the season came to a close. King Township Baseball is proud of these young players as they showed what great sports they were both on and off the field. They were an inspiration to all of the parents who were watching as they cheered each other on, and celebrated each other's individual achievements. Thanks to the coaches Dan Price, John Mele, and Dan Brinovec for giving these players a very memorable season. A special thank-you to Cathy Capella who brought the players a cake to celebrate a very successful season.

The Peewee and Bantam teams are starting the playoffs this week and as of press time no scores have been sent in. Shoeless Joe's Player of

the Week

This week, there are cowinners of the award as two young men have showed that perseverance pays off. Gavin Datt from the RCR Royal LePage mosquito team came up with a clutch hit in the playoffs. It was Gavin's first base hit of the season and it could not have come at a better time. With two out and nobody on, Gavin stepped up to the plate and connected for a hit over the second baseman's head. Congratulations Gavin.

Mathew Iannuci had the fans from both Glen Hulse Plumbing and Aurora's Priestly Demolition cheering as he belted out his first and second base hits of the season in the championship game Saturday. Congratulations Mathew.

Just a reminder that Wind up Day is planned for this Saturday (Aug. 26) in Nobleton (the rain date is Sunday). The AGM is scheduled for Sept. 8 at Shoeless Joe's.

Our KTBA sponsor of the week is Specialty Meats, located on King Road in Nobleton. Thank you for your generosity.

The K.T.B.A. would like to welcome a new supporter, Warehouse Storage Solutions from Schomberg, and extend a "thank-you".