Sox Win Vancouver Challenge

"a finely tuned machine"

The Vancouver Grey Sox disposed of all opponents in a most timely and effecient manner over the weekend that filled the South Memorial stands for the Vancouver Challenge.

All four Sox pitchers; Nick Underhill, Mike Piechnik, Derek Mayson, and Jeff Wilson were sharp as the club coasted through the round robin undefeated before thumping Horse Lake 9-0 and then besting the Pueblo Bandits 4-0 in the final game.

Sox shortstop Brian Ree, who captured MVP honours, led the Sox offense and he had plenty of help from his mates - most notably Trevor Johnson who repeatedly tested opposition defenses with slaps and steals, many of which were successful.

The Sox played flawless ball through the weekend and showed they are worthy of thier 9th place ISC ranking.

The Pueblo Bandits (ISC unranked) was the surprise team of the tournament as they captured 2nd place prize money. The Colorado club used ace pitcher Max Montero almost exclusively until the final, when Sisko Sabate took the ball and kept the final score a respectible 4-0 against the Sox. Montero was named the tournament's Top Pitcher.

The Horse Lake Thunder (ISC #11) finished third after a disappointing fourth place finish in the round robin. The Thunder were without pitchers Darren Zack and Sean Whitten so they relied heavily on Karl Gollan to carry the load. Sonny Perkins, Chad Ghostkeeper, Keith Garbitt, and the ageless Earl LaForte were also called to duty.

Sonny Perkin's walk off homer against the Camrose Fury was the highlight of their weekend as they were no match for the Grey Sox in the semi-final, especially on defense and pitching.

slideshow (more games coming)