Tomcats win bronze at 21U Canadians

       Keys' RBI lifts St. Thomas over Saskatchewan, 3-2, in eight innings 

By Rob J. Ross

Sunday, August 20, 2017

GATINEAU, QC. - The St. Thomas Tomcats did it again in extra innings and this time it earned them hardware.

Travis Keys delivered a two-out double, scoring Troy Lofgren, in the top half of the eighth inning, to lift the Tomcats over Saskatchewan, 3-2, in the bronze medal game, at the Baseball Canada 21U men's championship, held at at Parc Sancartier.

Less than 24 hours earlier on Saturday night, St. Thomas eliminated host Hull-Volant Gatineau, by the same score, in 10 innings.

"We did it twice now being the away team. It's always tough because you have to go out and play defence," said third baseman Garan Stevens, who was two-for-four at the plate. "It shows the character of the team. We weren't giving up on this one. It's been a good summer and getting a bronze medal proves it."
 

Winning bronze also avenges an 18-2 loss to Saskatchewan during pool play on Friday.

"We played them earlier and it wasn't the result we wanted. We came out today and showed them how we can play Tomcat baseball," said Lofgren, the Tomcats' catcher, who went two-for-three, drew a walk, scored the winning run and made a remarkable diving snag 15 feet behind home plate. "We grinded and battled all the way. It's our second extra inning win and it shows what type of team we are. We get to go home with something. We're going home winners and we're all happy.

Pitcher Matthew Bowden picked up the win, in relief of Tomcats' starter Alex Lamont, allowing just two hits and a base on balls, in three innings of relief work.

"The best thing was that Matt Bowden was on the bump. Matty is heart and soul of this team," Tomcats' head coach Bob Lofgren said. "It was awesome to see him get the win in this game and to end his junior career. When he went out there I knew that we were going to win. We were at the right part of their order. Matty had just got though the heart of their order the inning before."

St. Thomas led 2-0 after one inning, scoring first on a double steal with Daniel Lichty, who had led-off with a single before stealing second base.  Jacob Mansfield, who also stole second, scored on Lofgren's double.

Saskatchewan knotted the affair in the fifth inning, loading the bases and scoring twice on similar plays, high chops towards first base that left Tomcat Travis Keys no where to throw the baseball, but charged with an error both times.

Stevens rescued the Tomcats from any further damage, diving to snag a line drive, before touching third base and throwing to first base for a double play.

The Tomcats had opportunities to build on their two run lead, but either made poor base running choices or had some tough luck. In the third inning, Michael Mommersteeg had single written all over the ball heading to right field, but instead hit Keys, running to second base.

"We had some dumb mistakes on the base paths which was frustrating as it took us out of a couple innings. We could have broken it open, but they (players) have the heart," coach Lofgren said. "They play for themselves. The players, it's their team. I have the final say as head coach but I want them to have a say, because it is their team."

Mansfield was named player of the game.

Lamont's final line read three runs, one earned, on nine hits, while striking out three batters and walking four.

Two of Saskatchewan's three runs were unearned.

Quebec won the gold medal, defeating Windsor, 5-3.

In the semi-finals this morning, Quebec shutout the Tomcats, 10-0, in six innings.

"The first inning was our downfall. We had the bases full but we couldn't score. We had a chance to get on the board and make them chase us," coach Lofgren said. "They're a good team. They hit the ball, got the momentum.

Quebec scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back, behind a no-hitter by Vincent Ruel.

"They're an all-star team and we're a club team," Lofgren added. "We're the St. Thomas Tomcats. We had zero pick-ups. Windsor is the same way."

For the tournament, Lichty and Mansfield led the Tomcats, both with a .435 batting averages. Keys drove in six runs.

Seven games over four days, concluding with a medal, leaves the Tomcats with everlasting memories.

"It's not gold but it feels great because you can still celebrate the win with your team. You look back at it and say you're third best in the nation," Mommersteeg said. "The atmosphere of playing at the Ottawa field, playing with the guys and feeling like you're a pro team. You'll remember the games for the rest of your life."

In 2018, St. Thomas will host the 21U tournament.