Tales from the Doug-Out: The Final Countdown

The Bonnyville AA U18  Braves played in SJP (South Jasper Place ) this past weekend and faced off against a tough Calgary Bucks team. Getting the call to the mound, Jedd Stybel started the game hoping to get some swings and misses on his wicked curve ball.  However, the Bucks got a few lucky breaks and some soft contact to score 6 runs in the first couple innings. Cadogan Rachynski came in out of the bullpen and pitched 3.2 innings, only giving up 1ER ( earned run), and had a game-high 8 K’s (strikeouts).  Cadogan had a great outing; however, the defense behind him did not bobble the ball. Routine ground balls were booted around, making it an ugly 12-5 ball game after 5 innings.  Closer Ethan Walgren came in for the last two innings, only giving up 1 run and shutting down the Bucks. Ethan also had a double at the plate, helping the Braves score several runs.  Mighty Casey Warawa also went 3-4 at the plate with a double and scored a run. The Braves fought back to make it a 13-9 ball game but couldn’t get any closer.  A frustrating loss after some quality pitching, but as we know,  it takes the whole team to win a ball game.

Cody Archibald on the mound

Back-to-back games with a very short break in between, the Braves had to put the earlier game behind them, get things back together after a tough loss, and carry on to face the Calgary Cubs.  The Cubs are having a tough season, but it gave the Braves a chance to play everyone and get in a few different pitchers.  Carter Goreniuk started the game and went 2 innings, striking out 4 and giving up only 1ER.  The big unit Carter also had a terrific weekend at the plate, continuing to pound the ball with a triple and a single in this game.  Colton Lacoursiere went 2-4 at the plate with an RBI. Cody Archibald came in on relief in the third inning and pitched 2 shutout innings with 4 K’s. Cody also had a few RBI over the weekend while continuing his solid hitting.  Dane Archibald locked down first base again this game and went 1 for 2 at the plate.  Andrew Haxby went 1 for 2 at the plate and snatched a couple of nice catches in the field.  Closer Colin Reardon came in to pitch the final 2 innings and, although he had a little trouble with his command, gathered up 5 K’s over the 2 innings closing out the game for the Braves.  Owen Tibbets cashed in an RBI and played well in the field.  Sam Atwal went 1-3 with 1 RBI and made some sensational catches in center field.  After a long game of changing pitchers by both teams, the game finally ended 12-6 for the Braves.  It wasn’t a masterpiece by any means, but a good game for the coaching staff to get players some reps.  There were only 2 games on the schedule for the weekend, so it was a quick run up to the city in the morning, play ball, and turnaround back home later that evening.

The Braves will be off to the provincial championships, although not quite sure where that may be yet.  There is a chance the Braves may be hosting the finals, so stay tuned for more information.

Jedd Stybel diving back to first.