The team’s hitters came through and averaged more than eight runs per game, while the pitching staff combined for more than 10 strikeouts per game, and the Gander-based squad returned home with the silver medal.
Despite the many big hits and timely strikeouts, one play stands out among the rest as the proverbial highlight of the night. During the championship game against St. John’s, the teenagers from the capital city had the bases loaded with two out. Enter centre fielder Jeffrey Kinden.
“The highlight of the tournament was a running, centre field catch by Jeffrey Kinden,” said coach Jeff Glover. “The bases were loaded in the championship game with two outs, and one of their players hit a deep fly ball to centre field. Jeffrey ran back, and caught the ball…it was just a spectacular catch.”
Despite Kinden’s highlight-reel grab, Nick Fitzgerald’s and Brett Glover’s eight combined strikeouts, and Josh Winter and Blair Penney each going 3-for-4 at the plate, the Pilots lost the final game 4-3.
However, Jeff Glover said the coaching staff was more than happy with the team’s performance, and said the entire experience was one everyone enjoyed.
“This was all about giving the kids a provincial tournament experience, and giving them the opportunity to meet new friends.” - Jeff Glover
“Winning the silver medal was just as great to us as the gold,” he said. “This was all about giving the kids a provincial tournament experience, and giving them the opportunity to meet new friends.”
The Pilots, who were in a division with Grand Falls-Windsor and Bay Bulls/Witless Bay, opened the tournament against the host team.
Fitzgerald and Brett Glover combined for 13 strikeouts, while Riley King and Penney both went 3-for-4 at the plate, and the Pilots took the opening game of the tournament 9-5.
The Pilots continued to bring in runs in the second game against Bay Bulls/Witless Bay. Fitzgerald went 3-for-4 at the plate with an inside the park grand slam, and Brett Glover also hit an inside the park homerun. King and Chris Tobin shutdown opposing batters with 10 combined strikeouts.
With a 2-0 record following round-robin play, the Pilots finished first in
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