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Rock deny Storm taking
title at home
Highgate scores three in the sevventh, for a 9-6 win, forcing a decisive game five
September 24, 2025
By Rob J. Ross
FINGAL, Ont. - The championship final is going the distance.
The Highgate Rock scored three times in the top of the seventh, for a 9-6 win, denying the St. Thomas Storm from taking the title at home in game four Tuesday.
Game five goes Monday, September 29 at Highgate.
The Storm look to capture the league banner following back to back seasons as the runner-up, losing in four games to Chippewa a year ago and to Glencoe in five games in 2023.
Highgate aims for their first title since 2003.
"We know what we got to do. We're a veteran team. We have to win one on the road, but I think we're up to it," Storm manager Tom Edie said. They're an upstart, coming into their prime. They got a lot speed and some good hitters. I think our pitching is stronger, but it has to be stronger. They're trying to win one (title) too, so we have to battle."
In game four, Highgate jumped out to 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Brady Stafford put the Storm on the board with a solo shot. The home side tied the game in the second inning, one run from a solo effort by Troy Cook.
The Rock scored two in the third, for a 5-3 lead, before the Storm got one run back.
Trailing 6-4 in the sixth inning, St. Thomas tied the game on a two-run homer from Mitch Roy.
The inning may have been much bigger for the Storm, if not for catches by left fielder Chase Konecny and centre fielder Kyle Vink, on the run mere metres from the fence.
"We come out tonight and give up three in the first inning. We battled back and give up a couple more. We battled back, but in the end didn't have enough in the tank," Edie said. "They made two really good catches. The left fielder made the first one and it was a great catch. Both of those balls were hard hit. Could have been a difference."
Roy finished two-for-four. Tyler Annett went three-for-four, with one RBI.
"Fans go their money's worth. It was an awesome game. It's been a great series between two great teams," Vink said. "Scoring first is helpful and it gives your pitcher a little more relaxation on the mound. A lot of grinding and battling for runs, especially the way the defences have played."
Vink said Konecny had the play of the game.
"His catch was better than mine. He's a lot faster and it was more acrobatic catch," Vink said. "All series long we're relying on 11, 12, 13 guys and each game someone different steps up."
Highgate's Bryan Boersman was only a double short of hitting for the cycle. Josh Hamilton had a pair of singles, Derek Shaw, a triple and single, while Kaleb had a triple, double and drew a base on balls.
The Rock made three errors, the Storm, one.
Storm pitcher Ben Hodges took the loss, in relief of starter Dan Beecroft.
Highgate's Connor Sloan took the win, in relief of starter Todd Beecroft.
"It been 20 years since we've last won it," Vink said. I grew up watching the Rock play and now I get to play against some of those guys from the rivalry."
The Rock would love win a title at home for their supporters.
"There's a lot people who have been with us and they love to see something happen in Highgate. They come to the diamond and they're there before some of our players with their chairs."
St. Thomas took a two on series leading with a 7-0 game three win at Highgate Monday, with a no hitter from pitcher Jason Dawdy. The 51-year old also shined on offence, going three-for-four with four RBIs.
Highgate took game two, 10-9, in extra innings (8), after the Storm opened the championship series with a 7-3 win.
Both teams swept their semifinals, three games to none, Highgate dusting defending champ Chippewa and St. Thomas brushing aside Charing Cross.
The Storm and the Rock finished the regular season tied for first place with 14-4 records. The team split a pair of games, with the Storm winning, 9-6, but losing, 8-1.
Back in June, Highgate won the Bill Horne Memorial tournament at Fingal.
"We had a real good showing," said Vink. "We're a younger team, so being able to play on a bigger stage and beating some good pitchers this year gave us confidence."
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