Clearview wins 16-team tournament

Clearview Champs Back row, l-r: Dave Lemmon, Derek Worrod, Shawn Chalmers, Cory Line, Corey Ramirez, Derek Scharnhorst, Steve Warden, Tristan Cabral, Mike Kriegizas, Jerry O'Hara. Front row, l-r: Chris Esson, J.D. McGivern, T.J. Parker, Daniel Morningstar, Donovan Winch, Mike Blackwood. (David Anderson photo)

August 5, 2015

For the first time in their team history, the Clearview Orioles won the New Lowell Knights annual civic holiday tournament by defeating the Niagara Falls Expos 2-1 Monday.

The championship game was a tight affair between the Oriole and Expos. Niagara Falls plated a run in the first inning and held the lead until the third when a homerun by Daniel Morningstar tied the game for Clearview.

In the sixth inning, Tristan Cabral scored from a single by T.J. Parker to take the lead and eventually win the contest 2-1.

On the consolation side, host New Lowell met the Lisle Astros, where the Knights handily beat the Astros 8-1 behind a strong pitching performance of Todd Gowan.

Weather played a major factor this year for the tournament. Saturday play was completed on schedule with perfect conditions, but the strong rain storms in the area on Sunday afternoon played havoc with a game being called in the third inning between Clearview and Metro and the last game of the day between New Lowell and Midland being postponed.

The New Lowell and Midland game was moved to Lisle on Monday morning, as was the Nepean and Niagara Falls game, while Clearview and Metro finished their game at New Lowell. The remaining games were able to start as scheduled.

Tournament awards were handed out at the conclusion of the championship game. Jake Banner of Welland won the best batter award after going 6-12 at the plate, scoring five runs and one homerun, and knocked in five runs.

Best pitcher was Mike Blackwood of Clearview pitching 14 innings, allowing only one run on eight hits, and striking out six batters.

Niagara Falls' Ryan Langdon picked up the MVP award. He went 4-10, scored four runs including a homerun, and had six RBI. He also pitched 10 1/3 innings allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight.