Day 3 – ISC Men’s Fastpitch Softball Tournament

We’ll to be reviewing how the top 4 seeded teams traveled and how the teams featuring Aussies tracked today at the International Softball Congress. For those that aren’t aware, this tournament is the largest Men’s Fastpitch Tournament in the world and features over 40 teams in a double elimination tournament. The tournament also features a second pool, legends/masters and an under 21 competition.

The first of our reviews features the New York Gremlins defeating the Almira Expos 8 – 0. The boys were impressive today with Andrew Kirkpatrick throwing a shutout and giving up just the 3 hits in a solid 5 innings performance. Jeff Goolagong featured at Centerfield and Zenon Winters was a notable absence from the line-up. The Gremlins now have two shutouts for the tournament and look like a team that’ll be there come the pointy end of the tournament.

The A1 Bombers is our second team up for review. They’re another of the top 4 seeded teams we’re reviewing and also features Australian Marshall Kronk. The Bombers gave up their first run today against Toronto Batman, but cruised to a 7 -1 victory. Kronk added another hit to his homerun yesterday and today played 1st base.  Marshall appears to have this position stitched up should start against their likely opponent tomorrow Scarborough Force.

The first of our casualties today sees Dolan and Murphy dropping out of the ISC’s with a second lose to Waterdown. With the game tied at 0-0, Jared Farrell came into the game as the new pitcher, but wasn’t able to contain the Waterdown hitters allowing 4 runs before retiring the side. D&M were able to put one of the board however the game was closed out shortly there after.

The Toronto Gators, featuring a large portion of Blacksoxs hitters and Canadian Pitcher Sean Cleary proved too good for the Topeka Toros, taking the game 8-0 in 5 innings. The Gators racked up 9 hits and will take on J and B Painting tomorrow. Gators are a top 4 seed and their sticks are red hot. Look to see these guys playing deep into the tournament.

Bloomington will drop into the losers bracket after their narrow defeat to J and B Painting 2 – 1. The line-up featured Julian Jemmott leading off at Left Field, Ryan Merriman Catching and Jayden Lach coming on to pinch hit. Merriman wasn’t given a lot to swing at today with two walks and was Bloomingtons only run for the day. The Stixs have proven a gritty team in the past and we expect this to be no different this year, keep an eye on these boys!

The Circle Tap Dukes narrowly beat the Peligro Gremlins in a 3-2, 8 innings thriller. Joel Goodall closed out the last innings and bit to be recorded with the win. The Dukes were significantly out hit 8 to 4 however their hits came at the right time and will continue in the winners circle. The boys get the day off tomorrow however will likely play the Mighty Hill United Chiefs come Wednesday, which will prove a very tough match up.

Currently playing are the Chiefs and with a 2 – 0 lead after the first innings it’s going to take a mammoth effort from the Kegal Black Knights to slow this Juggernaut down! We’ll likely see these boys playing off against the Circle Tap Dukes come Wednesday. Adam has continued his strong performance yesterday throwing 3 innings for 9 strikeouts. The line-up features James Todhunter at Shortstop, Nick Shailes at Third and Joel Southam at Second Base.

Good luck to all those competing and we look forward to seeing what day 4 brings!