U18 OBA Blue Rockies win playdown games, qualify for provincials
By Spencer Seymour
The Red Rock Construction U18 OBA Blue St. Marys Rockies will compete at the OBA Provincial Championships Aug. 13-16 in Clarington after winning back-to-back playdown games Aug. 3 against the Flesherton Rangers.
Head coach Justin Ewing explained what the trip to OBA provincials means to the U18 squad.
“This is the final year of minor ball for nine of the boys,” said Ewing. “So, getting to go to the provincial championships is a big deal and basically was one of the main objectives when we picked the team last September. The job is not done, but getting to the tournament was the first step.”
In the first of two playdown games, the Rockies rode a stellar full-game pitching effort by Zach Larmer and hits from throughout their batting order to beat Flesherton 10-0.
“The win in the first game came down to a couple of things. Zach (Larmer) pitched so well that we didn’t have to use anyone else. Zach pitched six innings, throwing only 76 pitches and 53 of them for strikes. I have always said to the team, when Zach is pitching, there will be lots in play because he is always in the strike zone. We played a clean game defensively as well.
“We got big hits to support Zach later in the game, including five in the bottom of the sixth to secure a mercy,” Ewing continued. “All 15 guys played a role in the win with a lot of clutch hits. Jared (Ballantyne) continues to lead us offensively. He was two-for-four and drove in four runs.”
A much tighter game followed in the second half of the back-to-back, but once again, the Rockies managed to secure the victory, winning 5-3. Ewing noted the game was highlighted by a clutch hit that eventually secured the game-winning advantage.
“The second game was a little different,” Ewing said. “Flesherton threw a better pitcher, and we played a little bit tight. With their season on the line, Flesherton played really well. The game was tied when Dan (Dittmer) hit a bases-loaded triple with two outs to get us the lead for good. We have struggled to get a clutch hit in big games all year, and this was definitely a momentum-building hit for us.”
In the second game and during the two-game set as a whole, Ewing had no shortage of strong contributors to mention.
“Donovan (McGregor) had a big day, collecting four hits overall, but three in the second game, which was great for him and his confidence as well as for the team. Justin (Ropp) and Evan (Ballanytne) combined for the win on the mound. Justin pitched really well, going five innings. We made a few miscues late, but with the tying runs in scoring position, Justin really locked in to shut down their offence and get us three big outs.
“Harper (Murrell) puts a lot of pressure on the pitchers and defence in his at-bats because he sees a ton of pitches and makes guys work,” added Ewing. “Owen (Dittmer) had three big plays in the outfield where he held runners at third on fly balls with strong throws home, including one in the bottom of the seventh (in the second game).”
As the Rockies gear up to compete on the provincial stage, Ewing detailed what is required of the Rockies to find success at the OBA championship.
“Overall, our expectations are very high going into OBAs,” Ewing said. “If we get some hits and pitch well, I like our chances, but as always in these tournaments, you need a little luck. We need every single player to contribute to be successful. It has been the way we have played all year. We also need to relax in the big moments and treat every at-bat the same, although that’s easier said than done. Pitching and defence, as it always is, will be key. We need the pitchers to throw strikes and trust the guys behind them will make the plays they are supposed to.”
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