DESPITE FALLING SHORT OF THEIR ULTIMATE GOAL AGAINST THE BLACK SOX, THE TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS 11U BLUE FINISHED THE IMBA TOURNEY WITH A 4-1 OVERALL RECORD. MOST IMPORTANTLY, ALL THE TP FAITHFUL IN ATTENDANCE HAD A FUN AND REWARDING WEEKEND EXPERIENCE IN BOWMANVILLE
Tournament Post composed and edited with files and photos courtesy of Matt Marstrom
Beneath a warm ceiling of hazy and sunny skies, the Soo 11U Black Sox defeated the Toronto Playgrounds 11U Blue 9-6 this afternoon in the 2024 Clarington Baseball Association (CBA) 11U Select Championship Game.
Despite falling short of their ultimate goal, it goes without saying that all the TP players, coaches, parents and family members in attendance had an extremely fun and rewarding experience at the CBA tournament this weekend in Bowmanville.
TP 11U Blue began its journey at the tourney on Friday evening with a take no prisoners 18-1 victory over the Thornhill 11U Reds to earn its first round robin win.
After a good night’s sleep, Toronto Playgrounds prevailed 16-5 over the Clarington 11U Orioles on Saturday morning to capture its second robin game victory at the CBA tournament.
Taking care of business, TP 11U Blue defeated the West Hill 11U Blue Hawks 16-7 in their third round robin contest on Saturday evening to earn their third victory at the tourney.
With a perfect 3-0 round robin record, Toronto Playgrounds finished atop Pool A at the CBA tourney.
As such, the TP 11U Blue punched their ticket into Sunday’s semi-final elimination round portion of the CBA tourney, with a showdown against Northumberland 11U.
In their semi-final game this morning, TP 11U Blue prevailed 10-1 over the Northumberland 11U Jacks to cement their passport into the championship round of the CBA tournament.
In an exclusive TPBA Website interview, TP 11U Blue Head Coach Matt Marstrom was asked for his personal feelings and thoughts about his team’s performance at the CBA tourney:
“TP 11U Blue had another fantastic tournament showing this weekend by making it to the finals in Clarington. Unfortunately, we fell short in a tight 9-6 championship game loss to the Sault Ste. Marie 11U Black Sox.”
“We went 3-0 in pool play, outscoring Thornhill HS, Clarington DS and West Hill HS a combined 49 to 14. Pool play was highlighted by a phenomenal diving grab by TP 11U Blue Owen Corfe to stop a rally and end the inning.”
“Sunday morning saw us facing the Northumberland HS Jacks in the semi-final game. Once again, our pitching was phenomenal all tournament long. Wilt O’Brien, Ellis Lorenzo and Dominic Blekaitis combined to shutdown the Jacks for a 10-1win that moved us into the Final.”
“In the Final against the Soo 11U Black Sox, it was a pitcher’s duel for the first three innings with our Dominic Blekaitis and the Soo’s Atlas Kroeger combining for nine K’s through three innings and a 0-0 score. The Black Sox offense got going in the fourth frame and after battling back for three valiant innings, we couldn’t produce enough offense to catch up, falling 9-6.”
“I’m so proud of our players and the commitment and effort they put forth every game. We will learn from this loss and get back at it this weekend, in their final tournament of the year, in Brampton Then it’s off to the 2024 EBA 11U Select Playoffs, hosted by the TPBA.”
The Toronto Playgrounds Baseball Association (TPBA) wishes to congratulate Head Coach Mark Marstrom; Assistant Coaches Dan Kuchar; Julian Lorenzo; and Jeff Vila; Team Manager Sami Kuchar; and the players of the TP 11U Blue Team for their finalist showing at the 2024 CBA 11U Select Tournament.
The TPBA also wishes to commend all the TP 11U Blue coaches, players, parents and family members for representing the core values of TPBA program with honour, dignity and professionalism both on and off the diamond at the weekend Clarington tourney.
WAY TO GO, TP!