Thunder host tourney

Posted on: J A McRae

Shannon LeClair  – Times Reporter

The Softball Alberta Provincial Playoffs were at the agricultural grounds July 9 to 11. Teams came from all over to take part in the tournament and to see who would go home with gold. This was the third year Strathmore has hosted either PeeWee or Bantam provincials and there were 20 teams taking part during the weekend. Strathmore Thunder, Bantam B, was feeling good coming into the tournament after winning the semi-final league playoffs July 7, 10-0.

“That took a turn real fast when the team’s top pitcher Kirstyn Johnson had a base running crash in the top of the first inning in the first game, and reinjured her knee. She had just returned from being sidelined for 10 days,” said Lanky Johnson one of the organizers of the weekend. Jasmin Goldade, another starting pitcher, was already on the bench nursing a sprained ankle from the league semi-finals game, which left the team in a hole.  Relief pitchers Hope Tornberg and Madison Mitchell were forced to be the starter pitchers and they tried their best to keep the team up and in the games on the first day.

Unfortunately it wasn’t enough and the Thunder lost the first two games on Friday in the four game round robin.

“Johnson was able to return Saturday for the team on the mound and in a must win situation the Thunder rallied back from a 5-0 deficit against St. Albert to take a 7-5 lead,” said Johnson.

There was a delay called because of the rain and when the game started back up the defense made a couple of errors. St. Albert scored four runs in the last inning to defeat and eliminate the Thunder.

The Thunder still has a Calgary league playoff final on July 14, and the team is hoping to end the season with a win.

SQUIRT PROVINCIALS
Strathmore Bandits came home with a bronze medal in Squirt “C” provincials in Red Deer.

Forced to play tie-breaking games after round robin play late Saturday night under the lights, the team defeated the Edmonton Royals to win the medal.

Pee Wee News
Provincials in Drumheller July 16,17,18
Both Strathmore teams in Calgary Minor League, finishing in 2nd place and 5th place in 10 team division 2 league play, team who will face Calgary Nosecreek, Camrose Crossfire, Wetaskiwin, and Jarvie in round robin pool play.