The Thornhill Reds went 4-0 at the 2018 Hap Walters Tournament, and were one of four remaining teams when the semi finals and finals were cancelled due to rain. The excellent weekend pushed the Reds overall record to an impressive 25-5-1, including a 12-1 tournament record in 2018.
Reds pitchers were sharp all weekend, as the starters handled the brunt of the work. Chadwick Cameron got the Reds off to a good start, tossing a four hit shutout against the Oakville A's on Friday night. Thornhill won 4-0, as the righty struck out seven and walked just one. Gianfranco Morello led the offence with a 3-4 performance, driving in two.
Game two saw a wild one between the Reds and league rivals, the Leaside Leafs. Thornhill struck early cashing in six times in the first inning, but decided to give four unearned back to compete a ten run first frame. The Leafs would get no closer as Morello once again had his way with senior pitching, posting a 4-5 effort including his sixth home run of the year and five RBI. Jeremiah Groulx also had a big game for Thornhill with the stick, as he collected four hits in six trips to the plate. Mack Major pitched six innings, allowing four earned runs while improving his record to 7-0 on the year.
A much anticipated game three between a strong Etobicoke Rangers team didn't disappoint, as the two battled it out late Saturday afternoon at Connorvale Park. Adam Jafine pitched the Reds to victory with a solid seven inning effort, scattering seven hits while fanning five, as the Reds won 5-2. Warren Kember was a one man wrecking crew, blasting a first inning home run to centre field, and adding a two run double to pace the O with a 2-3 night, driving in four. With the win, the Reds won the division after a 3-0 record in round robin play.
In the quarter final late Saturday night, the Reds rode another strong start to a 7-1 win against the Erindale Cardinals. Pat Orr heaved six strong innings, allowing just four hits while striking out eleven. The Reds got hits from up and down the lineup, and were set to face the Burlington juniors in the semi final.
The Reds next action is Wednesday night when they host the Pickering Red Sox in GTBL action. Follow the Reds at www.thornhillreds.com or on twitter @ThornhillReds