SPORTSHOUND: Reality Check

The U 15 AA Bonnyville Braves have had their way with most teams that they played so far this year. In fact winning a good share of their games by the 10 run mercy rule. Life was good. But now it’s time to pull up their socks. Baseball Alberta has moved them up from the bottom division to the Tier 2 for their last round of games.

The Braves will be playing in the Tier 2 provincial final at the end of August as well. On Saturday July 31st, the U15 Braves were in Sherwood Park to take on the Chestermere Crushers who lived up to their name crushing the Braves 10-0 after 5 innings.  There was nothing wrong with the pitching that was done by Shawn Vallee and Logan McMillan. They didn’t walk the batters, they threw strikes. But the defense let them down and will need to shore up and play sharper for the month of August. The Braves committed way too many errors. On top of that couldn’t seem to get their bats fired up at the right time stranding runners on numerous occasions. A little taste of the medicine they’ve been giving out to other teams this season.

Not to worry, this reality check will certainly give them a much needed perspective and motivation. Baseball is a tough game good everyday, everyone has a bad game once in a while. I’m sure the boys will regroup and come back stronger than ever.

Nice throw from catcher Logan McMillan for Casey Warawa to lay the tag and stop the steal at second

Foster “Fozzie” Pikowicz crossing home plate

On Sunday the Braves played in Spruce Grove against Parkland Twins. The Twins had been in Tier 1, but were dropped to Tier 2 for the final month. They are a strong team with good pitching, defense and of course hitting.

On the mound for this one, starter Josh Bourbeau was chucking the ball really well keeping it close through 5 innings. The Braves playing much better on defense also helped the cause. They kept it tight for most of the game. But the boys couldn’t seem to get any rallies going to cash in multiple runs. Reliever Rylee Feland came in out of the bull pen and did a great job limiting the damage, keeping  the Twins hitters off the scoreboard for the most part. Carter “Gronk” Goreniuk hit a ground rule double over the fence and Foster “Fozzie” Pickowz hammered  the ball hard for a couple singles. It was a close 7-3 loss to a strong team but proved the Braves really do belong here in the Tier 2 and can win games and even the provincial finals. But they must play to their potential. Which of course I know they will.