Athletics Swipe "B" Crown

McKenzie controversy

BC's first triple knockout tournament saw a few interesting twists and turns and ultimately produced a new winner in the Sr Men's "B" Provincials.

The Victoria Athletics went undefeated through the tourney, riding the strong pitching of Collin McKenzie and Kevin Careless. McKenzie was named tourney MVP.

Their first big test was against the Giants, with the Island club winning it 4-3 in bottom of the 8th. Outfielder Darren Manns made a key play in the top of the 8th by throwing out Kris Waverick at home plate.

"We were loose....nothing to lose" said head coach Del Christensen - "The Giants had all the pressure on them."

Giant's pitcher Craig Pidcock had fired the fastest pitch (76 mph) in the tournament but following an outburst at the umpires after the loss to the Athletics, he was ejected from the remainder of the tournament. The Giants used the tandem of John Bishop and Mike Egerdeen to work their way back up the losers side and ultimately into the final.

In Sunday's semi-final Rick Unrah pitched a gem for Swing West holding the Athletics to just 2 hits but Victoria's ace Collin McKenzie also allowed only 2 while striking out 15. The Athletics survived winning 1-0. The defending campion Swng West club had to settle for the bronze medal.

The Parksville Red Sox battled hard all weekend and finished 4th however they claimed the final 50/50 draw winnings and postponed their busride home choosing to spend the winnings on refreshments and watch the final game.

The final game was a bit of a disapointment for local fans as the home town Giants struggled to score with their short game and then watched helplessly as the entire Atlhletics club caught fire, winning 7-0 in 6 innings.

Giant's starter Mike Egerdeen held Victoria scoreless for 2 innings but when the Athletics struck for 3 runs in the bottom of the 3rd, Egerdeen was replaced by John Bishop, who silenced the Islanders for one inning before the onslaught continued.

When the Victoria club stretched their lead to 5-0, utility player Wayne Clarke was entered into the game - he had only recently recorded his first hit in fastpitch playing in the Mac Park league. Facing John Bishop, he promptly hit a high hopper over the head of first baseman Ryan Marklinger for his 2nd hit of the season. It was that kind of a day for the Victoria Athletics.

Pitching proved to be the difference and the Athletics acquisition of Collin McKenzie proved to be a hot topic of conversation amongst local fans.

Athletics coach Del Christensen had signed McKenzie prior to the deadline but apparently the Giants had also tried to ink Cmac, only to be denied by the authorities.

Many agreed with the decision while others felt Cmac should be allowed to throw for anyone.

Some even suggested he not be allowed in the "B" event while others felt there should be no cross border shopping (Island players playing for mainland teams etc)

The decision to deny was apparently aimed at maintaining parity. The Athletics were making their 2nd appearance in the provincial B's, following a dissapointing showing in last year's event, while the Giants were considered to be one of the favourites.

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