THE MARINERS PREVAIL FOR THE PLAYOFF VICTORY OVER A PESKY TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS SQUAD AT CANMORE PARK
Game Post composed with file from Jason Koskela
Beneath a ceiling of hot and sunny skies, the Markham Mariners defeated our Toronto Playgrounds Rookie Ball Selects 11-7 in six innings of semi-final action this afternoon at Canmore Park in the West Hill Rookie Ball Select Tournament in Scarborough.
Here are some highlights:
- After Markham jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning, TP answered right back with four of their own in the bottom of the first to tie the game.
- The Mariners then added two in the second, one in the fourth, and one in the fifth to take an 8-4 advantage.
- However, TP rallied to score three in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit to one run (8-7) with one inning to go.
- Markham replied to the TP salvo by scoring three insurance runs in the top of the sixth to widen their lead to 11-7.
- Donning their rally caps in the bottom of the sixth, TP was unable to rally to in their last at bats to overtake the M’s.
Despite falling short in the West Hill tourney playoff round, TP Rookie Ball Assistant Coach Jason Koskela was proud of what the team achieved on a hot Saturday afternoon.
“The kids struggled against themselves a times but showed heart in making a late charge.”
The TP Rookie Ball Selects finished the round robin portion of the West Hill Tournament with a perfect 3-0 record. TP prevailed over the Richmond Hill Phoenix 11-9 to open the tourney. In their second round robin game, Toronto Playgrounds defeated the East York Bulldogs 12-4. And TP won by a default score of 7-0 over the North Toronto A’s (White) after they withdrew from the tournament.
The TP Baseball Committee wishes to commend Rookie Ball Select Head Coach Adin Wener; Assistant Coaches John Gordon, Jason Koskela and Joe Pernice for their fortitude and patience in steering these talented Rookie Ball Selects to a stellar showing at the West Hill Tournament.
The Committee also wishes to congratulate all the Rookie Ball Select players, coaches and parents for representing the core values of the Toronto Playgrounds Baseball program with honour, dignity and professionalism on and off the diamond at the tournament and on the EBA Select Loop circuit.
Way to go, TP!