Golden Hawks and Gryphons victorious in opening games of OUA baseball championship
On day one at the 2013 OUA baseball championships the number four seeded Laurier Golden Hawks defeated the top seeded Brock Badgers 5-3 in the opening game.
In the opening game, Brett Van Pelt of Laurier and Paul McKenna of Brock delivered strong pitching performances for each squad. Brock took a 3- 2 lead in the bottom of the fifth with a spectacular slide into home by shortstop Phil Steer. Laurier tied it up in the seventh and it stayed that way well into extra innings, when Jonathan Brouse of Laurier hit a go ahead two-run single in the top of the 11th inning. Jordan Petrushka came in to shut the door in the bottom of the inning. After letting the first two batters on base he induced a critical double play to end the Badgers hopes of a comeback. Adam McBride was the winning pitcher for the Goldenhawks who collected 14 hits in a well fought 5 - 3 OUA championship opening game over the Badgers.
In the second game of the day the home team Guelph Gryphons defeated the Western Mustangs by a score of 10-1. This is the second straight year the Gryphons defeated the Mustangs in the opening game of the double elimination tournament.
The game of the night started late but the Gryphons bats started early with a quick four runs in the first inning off starting pitcher Adam Paish fueled by back to back RBI singles from OUA all stars Matt Forer and Sean Molony. OUA pitcher of the year Brendan Sorichetti of Guelph struck out eight over five innings while only allowing one run. Brandon Poole had a stellar final four innings in relief holding the Mustangs to 10hit. Peter Ricciardi was 3-for-4 on the night and Wes Romak had three RBI's to lead the Gryphons. All nine starters of the Gryphons collected a hit in a convincing 10 - 1 win.
The double elimination tournament continues into Saturday to determine which teams will compete in the finals on Sunday. Sunday's final game is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at Hastings Stadium in Guelph, Ont.
LIVE CHAMPIONSHIP SCORING & STATS
FULL SCHEDULE
October 18
Game 1 – Laurier defeated Brock 5-3 GAME STATS
Game 2 - Guelph defeated Western GAME STATS
October 19
Game 3 - Saturday, Oct. 19 @ 10 a.m. – Brock vs. Western
Game 4 – Saturday, Oct. 19 @ 1 p.m. – Guelph vs. Laurier
Game 5 – Saturday, Oct. 19 @ 4 p.m. – Winner of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4
October 20
Game 6 – Sunday, Oct. 20 @ 11 a.m. – Winner of Game 4 vs. Winner of Game 5
Game 7 – Sunday, Oct. 20 @ 2 p.m. – Winner of Game 6 vs. Loser of Game 6*
*Game 7 is only played if necessary
Source: Guelph Sports Info