(Back row left: Assistant Coach Mike Roy, Coach Ben Wilson, Assistant Coach Mark Beaudoin, Assistant Coach James Hernandez. Middle row from left: Aidan Wilson, Matthew Roy, Ben Phillips, Owen Riedel, James Jenkins, Ethan Jelley, Peyton Hernandez, Ethan Beaudoin, Johnny Bonnar. First row from left: Anton Mashchenski, Ryan Dexter and Bat Boy Declan Dexter. Missing: Alex Kelk.)
The Stittsville Axemen continued the 2015 season with a visit to Montreal for the Titan’s Invitational on the weekend of June 12-14. After an unsuccessful, rained out first tournament in Mississauga the players were ready to really get the season started.
Heavy rains Friday gave way to beautiful blue skies and great temperatures both Saturday and Sunday. Coupled with a great diamond on the shores of the St. Lawrence the atmosphere and conditions were perfect for the games.
The first opponent for the Axemen were the Red Sox from Drummondville. This proved to be a tight game throughout-both teams matching each other on an inning by inning basis until what proved to be the last inning. The somewhat dormant Axemen bats showed some signs of life. Seven runs were scored, highlighted by a grand slam to cement the win, 11-4.
The next challenge was the Rockies from Montreal. From the start it was a sluggish effort for both teams. Montreal jumped out to a commanding lead in the first few innings and it was not until the last at bat for the Axemen that any offensive prowess was shown. The rally fell short though and the team lost 9-7.
Sunday again brought ideal conditions and a rejuvenated Axemen squad. The first game of the day pitted Stittsville against the hosts, the Montreal Titans. Backed by very solid pitching, the bats came alive. The hit parade didn’t cease until the game was called after 3 innings (mercy rule). Final score was Axemen 14, Titans 1. Every player contributed to this total team victory-pitching was on, the bats were going and there was focus in the field. It is rumored the coach smiled.
With that victory it was to the final against the Rockies (again!). From the first pitch it was no contest. With precision pitching, a focused and confident fielding corps and dominating batting the Rockies were overmatched against an Axemen team that saw it’s potential. Stittsville batters seemed to tee off on pitching that only one day earlier had given them trouble. The pitching allowed very little and whatever was hit was skillfully dealt with by the boys in the field. Final score, Axemen 20, Montreal 1. Stittsville Axemen-tournament champions!
A special thanks to Ethan Jelley. On the 21 day DL, Ethan was still there to see his teammates compete and succeed. The team appreciated it!