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Tomcats 2023 22U Eliminations
 

 'Cats clinch berth at 22U Canadians

 

   Jaryd Lund pitches complete game four hitter in a 6-0 shutout of Newmarket

   giving St. Thomas a rematch vs Guelph in the provincial Elimination final

 

  July 15, 2023

 

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By Rob J. Ross

DORCHESTER, Ont. - Pack the bags. The St. Thomas Tomcats are heading west.

Jaryd Lund pitched a complete seven inning game four hitter, leading the Tomcats to a 6-0 shutout of the Newmarket Hawks, in a Baseball Ontario 22U Elimination semifinal, Sunday evening at Field of Dreams.

The win earns the ball club a spot at the Canadian 22U men's championships, August 3-6, in Stonewell, Manitoba.

"It's a little relieving because with this group, our coaching staff felt almost a little more pressure because the amount of talent we have," Tomcats manager Arizona Phoenix said. "Our expectation was to go to Canadians. So to have accomplished that now, is a good feeling."

Before that trip to friendly Manitoba, about one hour north of Winnipeg, the Tomcats have the provincial final against the Guelph Silvercreeks, at Field of Dreams, Monday at 10 a.m.

Alex Springer will be on the hill for the 'Cats.

Earlier Sunday, the Silvercreeks handed St. Thomas their first loss of the tournament, with a 5-1 victory.

"Guelph is a good team. Having a battle with them I feel woke us up and showed us that as an undefeated team that we're not impossible to beat. A good wakeup call," said Lund. "Bouncing back and coming out in this game with a lot of runs and defence really sets the tone for tomorrow."

The Tomcats put the defeat behind them quickly against Newmarket, scoring twice in the first inning, and adding two more runs in the third inning and singles in the fourth and sixth.

"The boys were frustrated with the first game today. But we took that and turned the page," said Tomcats' first baseman Noah Williams. "Everyone trusts Lundy. Lundy comes in and shows why he's our ace. He's the best guy out there and we just had to back him up with our bats."

Williams had a pair of singles and three RBI, while Charles Bowman had a double, RBI single and swiped a bag. Tyler Mosher and Brad Verhoeven each drove in a run.

Lund needed just 94 pitches to silence the Hawks, striking out three batters and walking one.

"I just wanted to throw strikes and get outs. I tried to get ahead early and once I got ahead, try to execute pitches and get the strikeouts, get ground balls, whatever for outs," Lund said. "The guys did a great job defensively, especially Ben Morrison at third base, so many balls he had. So many great plays made."

Morrison constantly flashed a gold glove, first snagging a hot liner down the third base side and then making two stab and throws to first base. Morrison was also money at the plate with two singles.

"He was a wall out there. He locked down at third for us and it really kept us in ithe ball game," said centerfielder Noah Grant. "He dove for that line shot and made about eight amazing throws across the diamond."

Grant from Thorndale, 10 minutes north of Field of Dreams is having a sound first year with the Tabbies.

"It's been really fun. It's a great group of guys," said Grant, who is coming off year one at the University of British Columbia, in the Engineering program. "Everyone is super energetic and everyone's into every game."

Grant is very familiar with Field of Dreams, having played five seasons with the Great Lakes Canadians, the main tennant of the ball park.

"We're excited for another shot at Guelph," added Grant.

The Tomcats are ready for their long time Junior Intercounty League rivals.

"Springer will be there for us," Phoenix said. "We have to score some runs. We'll play well behind him, but we just have to get the bats going."

Both Guelph and St. Thomas will be representing Ontario on the National stage, but winning the final game, of course gives the winner the championship, but also better seeding at Canadians and first selection at adding any players for the big event if desired.

A year ago, Lund was picked up by Newmarket, who went on to win the Canadian 22U championship, held in Nova Scotia. The Londoner pitched nine total innings, seven against Manitoba, a three hit victory.

 

 

 


        rob@hometownplay.ca

 

 

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