The Comox Valley Cardinals PeeWee A baseball team finished a strong third at the B.C. Provincial Championships, held Aug. 2-6 in Kelowna.
The weekend prior, the Cardinals attended the Island Zones tournament in Victoria. The Cardinals played very strong throughout, making it to the finals against the Victoria Wildcats. Down by only two runs, the Cardinals placed second to secure a spot in the Provincials.
In Game 1 at the B.C.'s, the Cardinals faced a feisty Aldergrove team with a curveball throwing pitcher and some big bats who handed the Cards a 9-1 loss.
The Cards kept the game close except for allowing six runs in the fifth inning. Cardinals' game Most Valuable Player was Braydon Baker.
The following day in Game 2, the Cardinals defeated the Rutland Rookies from Kelowna – an energetic team that never gave up – 13-9. The Cardinals had 12 hits, including two each from Nolan Baker and Ethan Brunton. Shane Lapp had a strong game, going 1-2 with a walk, two stolen bases and one RBI. Ben Swing led off a big six-run third inning with a solid single and a stolen base. Thomas Green also scored three runs. Nolan Baker was the Cards' game MVP.
Later in the day, for Game 3, the Cardinals played Burnaby. The Cardinals were leading 10 -7 in the fourth inning when the game was stopped and scheduled to continue the following morning, as daylight was running out.
The Cards had another strong hitting performance, pounding out 15 hits including three by Nolan Baker and two each by Caleb Dolman, Brayden Baker and Austin Brown. Another three runs were scored by Thomas Green and a towering home run was hit by Austin Brown. The Cards won 17-7 with Ethan Brunton MVP.
In Game 4 the Cardinals played Ladner, where a win would qualify them for the championship round. The Cardinals had a staggering 15 stolen bases as they relentlessly pressured the well-rounded Ladner squad en route to a 12-9 win.
Trevor Pruden went 1-2 scoring two runs while Reid Cochrane had two clutch hits, driving in two runs. Hayden Kierstead pounded one off the top of the home run fence, but ended up getting robbed when the ball bounced in bounds. Nolan Baker had the same bad luck, ending up with a double. Brad Teasdale, also playing a strong game, was 1-2 with two RBI and two stolen bases. Dustin Raume was game MVP.
The last day for the finals, the Cardinals were up against the Island champion Victoria Wildcats. Victoria came out strong with a very versatile pitcher who held the Cardinals off the basepaths, and had some amazing bats.
The Cards took a tough 14-2 loss to the eventual provincial champions. Game MVP was Brayden Baker.
"Congratulations to the Comox Valley Cardinals PeeWee A team for an amazing third-place finish despite playing in stifling 32 to 37 degree heat," a team spokesperson said. "The organization thanks our sponsor ReMax/Ocean Pacific Realty for their great support. A big thank you to coaches Rob Green and Steve Cochrane for all their effort and time spent with the boys.
"Finally, thank you to parents who get the boys to the practices and games and providing great support and cheering throughout the season."
– Comox Valley PeeWee A Cardinals