Pitcher Aaron Dyke tosses complete game striking out nine batter
May 21, 2023
St. Thomas 16U Cardinals, from left, are - front row - Nathan Watson, Gavin Roose, Cooper Henderson, Cam Morrison, Luke Thomas, Gabe Laliberte, back row - coach Tom Watson, coach Ryan Morrison, Finn Towers, Nathan Dunn, Aiden Ward, Callum Ryckman, Aaron Dyke, Derek Brooks, Mason Beechey, Tyler Serratore, Wyatt Atchison, coach Rob Atchison.
Hometownplay.ca
ORILLIA, Ont - At their first tournament of the season the St. Thomas 16U Cardinals went undefeated to win gold.
The Cardinals rallied from an early 4-1 deficit to edge Stouffville, 5-4 win, in the final May 19.
Aaron Dyke tossed a complete seven inning game, striking out nine batters.
Trailing by three runs in the fifth inning, Luke Thomas ignited the comeback with a two-run homer over the left field fence.
Nathan Watson bunted in Gabe Laliberte from third base for the winning run.
The Cardinals opened the three day tournament with a 11-0 shutout of Markham May 17, highlighted with Cam Morrison's three-for-three, four RBI game.
Dyke and Nathan Watson, combined for a one-hitter.
Markham reached base twice, only to be thrown out at second base attempting to steal by catcher Cam Morrison.
In game two early Saturday, Wyatt Atchison tossed five and two-thirds innings, striking out nine batters, as the Cardinals dumped Newmarket, 7-2.
Seven different Cardinals registered a hit, with the middle of the line-up driving in all nine runs, as St. Thomas dumped Stouffville, 9-5.
Pitchers Callum Ryckman and Aiden Ward were solid on the mound, combining for nine Ks.
Luke Thomas led with three RBIs, as the Cardinals finished pool play at 3-0.
In the semifinals, Dyke and Mason Beechey provided clutch pinch hits, to help push St. Thomas pass Richmond Hill, 6-4.
Morrison worked five innings, striking out nine, relieved by Aiden Ward. Catcher Nathan Watson made a key throw to end a Richmond Hill threat.
Gabe Laliberte and Tyler Serratore were an offensive force all weekend and stifling defence was on display at every position.
The Cardinals head to London, June 7-9, aiming to defend a tournament title won last year.
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