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Flyers soar to OBA title in Tillsonburg
September 3, 2008 --
The Port Hope Flyers took part in the OBA C Championship this past weekend and came away with the title. Mike McNaught carried the load in Tillsonburg and his back still aches when he hears that word. McNaught was named tournament MVP after throwing an insane 26 innings on his way to 4 wins and 1 save in the tournament.
Port Hope Flyers: 1 vs. Exeter: 2
The Flyers opened the tournament against Exeter and faced a tough pitcher that tied their bats in knots, as he struck out 13 on the night. Despite getting 5 hits, the Flyers couldn't cash in key runs and dropped a 2-1 contest. Cory Baker gave the Flyers a strong effort, only allowing 4 hits in the tough luck loss. The loss put their backs against the wall for the remainder of the tournament.
Port Hope Flyers: 5 vs. Courtright: 4 (9 innings)
Next up was an 8 am Saturday tilt against Courtright and Mike McNaught got the ball for the Flyers. He kept the Cardinals off balance, carrying a 2-0 lead into the 6th when Courtright broke the shutout with 2 runs to tie the game. McNaught allowed a 2-run homer in the top of the 8th to stake Courtright to a 4-2 lead. In true Flyer fashion they wouldn't give in. With 2 outs Courtright's 3rd baseman made a costly throwing error to get a rally going. Eventually Brandon Duck clutched up with a 2-run single to tie things at 4. Cory Baker led off the 9th with a base hit and rookie Tye Welch brought him around to score with a single and the Flyers won it 5-4. McNaught went the distance and struck out 11 to keep Port Hope alive.
Port Hope Flyers: 9 vs. Rose City: 5 (8 innings)
Next up was an afternoon date with the Rose City Thorns and Marc MacDonald got the start for the Flyers. Heading into the game he hadn't allowed a bomb all season, until the bottom of the 1st when he served up a 3-run shot to left. The Flyers cut the deficit to 1 in the 4th thanks to a Rob McNab 2-run single. In the top of the 6th, Port Hope brought in 3 runs, thanks in part to a Charlie Hall 2-run homer to left. MacDonald had some tough luck in the 6th, giving up 2 runs to make it a 5-5 game. Port Hope errupted for 4 runs in the 8th, including a Brett Jiggins 3-run double. MacDonald shut the door in the bottom of the inning to nail down a complete game win.
Port Hope Flyers: 8 vs. Dundas Chiefs: 7 (9 innings)
Sunday morning saw the Flyers face the Dundas Chiefs and Baker made his 2nd start of the weekend. The Chiefs jumped out to a 1-run lead in the 1st, but the Flyers bounced back with 3 in the 2nd. Matt Walberg executed a beautiful suicide squeeze and Wes Eriksson drove in 2 with a single. Dundas took a 5-3 lead in the 5th, but Jiggins flexed his muscle and nailed a huge 2-run shot to right to tie things up. However, Dundas came right back in the top of the 6th and led 6-5. Again the Flyers answered, as Duck came up with a clutch 2-run single to give the Flyers a 7-6 lead. They couldn't hold the lead, as Dundas tied things up in the 7th and it was on to extra innings again. McNaught relieved Baker in the 9th and held the Chiefs off the board. Dowler led off the 9th with a walk and scored on a Baker suicide squeeze to win another thrilling game.
Port Hope Flyers: 8 vs. Tillsonburg Red Sox: 3
The host Tillsonburg Red Sox were next in line for the Flyers, as they rekindled a brewing rivalry. However, this game didn't do much to keep the rivalry going, as the Flyers handed them an 8-3 loss. McNaught went the distance on the mound for his 3rd win of the weekend.
Port Hope Flyers: 5 vs. Exeter: 4 (8 innings)
There wasn't much time for Port Hope to enjoy the win as they had to turn right around and face Exeter. McNaught got the start on the mound. The Flyers battled throughout this game and entered the 7th trailing 4-3. Wes Eriksson smashed the first pitch that he saw over the right field fence to tie things up. The Flyers were into extra innings for the 4th time of the tournament. With 2 outs and 2 on Baker won the game with a slap bunt to shortstop and the Flyers were onto the Finals, awaiting the outcome of Monday morning's Exeter-Creemore matchup. McNaught went the distance, earning his 4th win of the weekend.
Port Hope Flyers: 5 vs. Exeter: 3
The finals saw the Flyers face Exeter for the 3rd time. MacDonald started for the Flyers, who had used just 3 arms in the tournament. Exeter got on the board in the 1st thanks to an error and led 1-0. Port Hope responded with 3 runs in the 3rd. Charlie Hall walked with the bases loaded, Rob McNab followed with a sacrifice fly and Brad Dowler knocked in a run with a single. They added 1 more in the 5th on a McNab RBI single and led 4-1. MacDonald walked the leadoff man in the 6th and served up a 2-run shot to make it 4-3 game. He battled to get out of the inning. Dowler came through with an RBI single in the 7th to give Port Hope a 5-3 lead. McNaught came in to shut things down. He had a runner on first with 1 out and got the Exeter hitter to line one to 3rd. Dowler made the catch and fired across the infield to finish the double play, as the Flyers won an improbable championship.
Mike McNaught was named tournament MVP after throwing 26 innings, earning 4 wins and a save.
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Flyers EOBA run ends in the Semi's
August 26, 2008 --
The Port Hope Flyers took part in the EOBA Championship tournament last weekend and looked to build on an improved regular season.
Game 1 saw the Flyers take on the Ajax Spartans. Cory Baker threw for Port Hope and was effective, keeping the Spartan bats off balance. A few clutch hits gave the Flyers a 4-2 lead heading into the 7th, when Mike McNaught came on in relief to nail down the final out and a Flyers victory.
Next up for Port Hope was the number 1 seed Markham Pioneers. Marc MacDonald started for the Flyers and was effective for the most part, leaving with 1 out in the 6th, with the game tied at 4. However, he made a costly mistake by balking in a run. The Flyer bats were resilient and battled back from a couple of deficits. McNaught got some huge outs to send the game to extra innings, but the Pioneers came through when it mattered and dealt the Flyers a 5-4 loss in a great ballgame.
Next up for the Flyers were their rivals, the Kendal Eagles. The loser of this game would be eliminated from the tournament, a fitting circumstance to a great rivalry. This game would not disappoint.
McNaught and Jay Carroll were locked into a pitcher's duel, which McNaught would go on to win, as the Flyers eliminated the Eagles with a 3-1 win. The victory moved Port Hope onto Sunday and also gave the team confidence in the health of McNaught, a key cog to the startting rotation.
Sunday morning meant a date with the Thornhill Reds for the Flyers. Adam Wallace got the start and was touched up for 2 runs in the top of the 1st inning, but settled down after that. However, the Flyers bats may have slept in for this game, as they struggled to get anything going and when they did, were unable to cash in their runs. Thornhill ended the Flyers' run with a 5-1 victory.
The Reds went on to win the EOBA championship. The Flyers now turn their sights to the OBA tournament in Tillsonburg, where they will take on Exeter at 3 pm Friday afternoon. Cory Baker is slated to get the start.
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2008 Senior OBA C Draw
August 11, 2008 --
Click here for the Senior C All-Ontario draw
The Port Hope Flyers will be participating in the OBA C Tournament in Tillsonburg on Labour Day weekend. There will be a 16-team field competing for the title.
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Eagles ground the Flyers
August 7, 2008 --
With rain wreaking havoc on their schedule, the Port Hope Flyers played their 3rd game in 3 weeks Wednesday when they hosted the Kendal Eagles. Marc MacDonald got the ball for the Flyers and looked to extend his and the team's winning streaks to 3 games and sweep the season series with their rival in the process.
MacDonald again got off to a bad start, walking the leadoff man on 4 pitches, which was the beginning of a 3-run 1st inning for the Eagles. The visitors tacked on 2 more in the 2nd, as yet another walk came around to score. MacDonald's shaky start put Kendal ahead 5-0 after 2 innings of play.
The Flyers finally hit the board in the 4th, as Rob McNab got aboard on a walk and came around to score after a couple of wild pitches. The 5th inning saw Port Hope add another run to cut the margin to 5-2.
MacDonald allowed 2 more runs in the 6th on 3 hits and another egregious mistake, as he hit a batter that he had 0-2. The Eagles added 1 more off MacDonald in the 8th, to take an 8-2 lead.
The home side scored 1 in the 8th to narrow the lead to 8-3. MacDonald came out for the 9th and recorded 2 strikeouts, while holding Kendal off the board. This set the stage for the Flyers to mount a comeback. It was too little, too late however, as they were able to push across 2 runs in the 9th and had the tying run at the plate, but weren't able to get the job done.
MacDonald overcame a terrible start to battle his way to a complete game loss, eating up some innings, as the Flyers enter a busy weekend of ball. Their next action will be Saturday afternoon in Markham, followed by a doubleheader Sunday against Ajax and the Peterborough Tigers.
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Flyers leave Reds feeling black and blue
July 31, 2008 --
After 2 straight rainouts had the Port Hope Flyers idle for 8 days, Mother Nature was threatening a 3rd consecutive game Wednesday. The rain held off and the Flyers were able to host the Thornhill Reds in a weather shortened 6 inning game.
The Flyers' bats may have been partly to blame for the humidity on the night, as they had knocked out 17 hits against Ajax last week. The sticks stayed hot on this night thanks to a 14-hit effort in the shortened game.
After his 5-for-5 night in Ajax, Brandon Duck batted leadoff again and did so in fine form with a single. Wes Eriksson and Brett Jiggins both followed with bunt singles, loading the bases for Brad Dowler. Usually a top of the order guy, Dowler cashed a run on a single to put the home side up early. Rob McNab continued his hot hitting with a bases clearing double to right, extending the lead to 4-0 before an out had been recorded. McNab has hit in 11 of the last 12 Flyers games. Though they managed to bat around, the Flyers couldn't bring in another run, but led 4-0 after the 1st.
They kept it going in the 2nd inning, which Eriksson led off by reaching on a strikeout. Dowler ripped a double to give the Flyers a 5-0 lead. Derek Dennee singled to score Dowler and stretch the lead to 6-0. Thornhill hit the board in the 3rd inning to make it a 6-1 ballgame. With the Flyers offence in top gear, they added 3 more in the bottom half of the 3rd thanks to a Jiggins RBI double and a 2-run double by Dowler that made it 9-1. His 4 RBI night certainly made a case for him to see more time in the cleanup slot. They added 2 more in the 4th to take an 11-1 lead.
Thornhill managed another unearned run in the 5th and made it a single digit deficit. After completing 6 innings of play, the game was called due to lightning. Staff ace Cory Baker started for the Flyers and scattered 5 hits over 6 innings. Both runs that he allowed were unearned, as he evened his record at 3-3.
With the win, the Flyers move to 8-11 this season, with an eye on reaching the .500 level. Their next action will be Monday night when they host the Peterborough Junior team. Marc MacDonald will make the start on the hill.
OFFENSIVE STARS:
Brad Dowler: 4/4, 2 R, 2 Doubles, 4 RBI
Wes Eriksson: 3/4, 3 R, 1 RBI
Rob McNab: 2/3, 1 BB, 3 RBI
Brett Jiggins: 2/4, 2 R, 1 RBI
Brandon Duck: 1/4, 3 R, 1 BB
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Flyers bats make Spartans sitting Ducks
July 22, 2008 --
With manager Bernie Alldred unable to make Monday's game, coach Ron Davis made a subtle change to the Flyers lineup while he was at the helm and boy did it work! Davis inserted second baseman Brandon Duck into the leadoff spot and it paid dividends as Duck rolled to a 5 for 5 night at the dish. The offensive explosion was a team effort as a 17 hit attack propelled the Flyers to a 9-6 win over Ajax.
Marc MacDonald made the start for Port Hope and committed a cardinal sin, in walking the leadoff hitter. As is often the case, that runner came around to score and the Spartans added one more to take a 2-0 lead in the 1st.
The Flyers responded in the 5th in a big way, pushing across 5 runs with 2 outs. Cory Baker and Rob McNab each singled with 1 out. Derek Dennee, Mike Walker, Duck and Josh DeMattos strung together 4 straight hits to give the visitors a 5-2 lead. They didn't stop, scoring 1 run in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th innings to take a 9-4 lead.
MacDonald battled throughout and started the 8th, but was lifted after walking the leadoff man. Charlie Hall took over and struggled with his control, as Ajax plated 2 runs to make it 9-6. DeMattos came in to finish things off and looked dominant in getting the last 4 outs of the game.
Port Hope improves to 7-11 so far and visit Kingston on Wednesday night. Cory Baker (2-3) will start for the Flyers
OFFENSIVE STARS:
Brandon Duck: 5/5, 2 R, HBP, 2 RBI
Cory Baker: 3/4, 3 R
Derek Dennee: 2/4, 1 R, 3 RBI
Mike Walker: 2/3, 2 BB, 1 R, 1 RBI
Rob McNab: 3/5, 1 R, 1 RBI
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Flyers win 2 of 3 on the weekend
July 13, 2008 --
After a big win over the Kendal Eagles, the Port Hope Flyers had 3 games on the weekend. Saturday they made the short trip to Bowmanville for a double dip with the Whitby Canadians.
Game 1 saw Charlie Hall get the start on the mound, his first in his Senior career. Though he hasn't been a regular on the mound, Hall looked comfortable on the hill and gave the Flyers a great outing on his way to his first win. Hall went 5 1/3 innings, scattering 5 hits and allowing 2 runs despite walking 4.
Brad Dowler started things off with a single in the 1st and Brett Jiggins followed with a single as well, paving the way for Cory Baker's 2-run double to left. Jiggins also came around to score in the 3rd and 5th innings, the latter on a beatifully executed suicide squeeze by Baker.
With the visitors leading 4-2 in the 6th, Adam Wallace came in to shut the door on the Canadians, earning his first save of the season in the 4-2 win.
Marc MacDonald made the start against his former team in Game 2. Last season the Canadians battered MacDonald into submission, as he didn't get out of the 1st inning. This time MacDonald did see the 2nd inning and though he was anything but sharp, MacDonald got his first win of the season.
Brandon Duck led off Game 2 with a single and Jiggins brought him in with an RBI double. The Flyers tacked on 5 more runs in the 3rd, taking a 6-1 lead. They added 2 more in both the 4th and 5th, leading 10-1.
MacDonald started to lose control and gave way to Wallace in the 6th with a 10-5 lead. Once again Wallace closed things out for the Flyers, who lead the season series 3-0 against Whitby.
Riding the high of a 3-game winning streak, Port Hope visited Ajax with their sights set on catching the team ahead of them in standings. Jake Tuominen made his first Senior start and had a shaky 1st inning. After allowing the first 2 hitters to reach base, he gave up a dinger to one of the EOBA's better hitters in Shane Moore.
The Spartans didn't need much more than that as they coasted to a 10-2 win over the Flyers, who fell to 6-10 with the loss. Though they have been having a fairly strong season, beating the teams below them in the standings, the Flyers are looking to build on their success by making up some ground on the teams ahead of them.
Port Hope had been accustomed to the dim view from the basement, but are now enjoying life away from the cellar and hope to continue to improve. Their next action will be Wednesday as they aim to complete the season sweep against a Whitby team that is sure to be motivated. Cory Baker will make the start.
Offensive Stars:
Brett Jiggins: 8/12, 4 R, 2 Triples, 4 RBI
Rob McNab: 5/9, 1 R, 1 BB, ***(Extends hitting streak to 9 games)
Cory Baker: 3/11, 5 RBI
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Flyers Bake Eagles
July 10, 2008 --
A longtime rivalry in the EOBA, lived up to its lustre Wednesday as the Kendal Eagles and Port Hope Flyers battled with the season series hanging in the balance. A pitching matchup that has provided many great duels in the past was once again the story, as Cory Baker and Troy Foster both went the distance in a quick game that lasted only 1 hour and 52 minutes.
Charlie Hall led off the 2nd for Port Hope and reached base on a strikeout and passed ball. Rob McNab later walked and both came around to score on a Derek Denee RBI groundout and a Jake Tuominen RBI single the other way. A 2 run lead was all Baker would need as he held Kendal off the board until the 6th when Kendal scored 1 run.
The Flyers responded in the 7th despite some base running gaffes with Tuominen scoring the insurance run. Baker was dominant on the night allowing 1 run on 7 hits, while striking out 3. He improved to 2-2 on the season with a tidy 2.70 ERA.
With the 3-1 win, the Flyers clinched the season series with Kendal, so far leading 3-0. Port Hope moves to 4-9 on the season and will face Whitby in a double header on Saturday and will meet Ajax on Sunday.
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Markham waxes Flyers
June 26, 2008 --
Things fall apart and sometimes when it does things get ugly. That would best describe what happened to the Port Hope Flyers at the hands of the Markham Pioneers. Having played Markham tight so fat this season, the Flyers felt good heading into Wednesday night's game, however they felt anything but good after the 19-7 drubbing.
Josh DeMattos started on the hill for Port Hope and was touched for 2 runs in the opening frame, as the top of Markham's order caused havoc on the basepaths. Port Hope responded in the bottom half, putting 3 runs on the board. The bottom of the 2nd was where the Flyers padded their lead, adding 2 more to take a 5-2 lead. That is when things began to fall apart.
Markham scored 3 runs in the 4th to tie things up and added another in the 5th on a Jesse Dynes solo shot, giving them a 6-5 lead. The Pioneers added 3 more in the 6th, thanks in part to massive 3-run homer to right centre by Steve Anderson. The visitors put up 5 spots in both the 7th and 8th innings, including a grand slam by Anderson.
The Flyers were able to score 2 in the 7th, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Port Hope have been an improved team in 2008, competing and being in most games so far. The Flyers now have a 2 week break in their schedule, which couldn't come at a better time. With the loss Port Hope drops to 3-9 on the season.
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Flyers crash late in Thornhill
June 25, 2008 --
Coming off a big win against Kendal last week, the Port Hope Flyers looked to make it 2 in a row Tuesday night in Thornhill. Despite having a short bench, the Flyers were in the game.
Port Hope got things started in the 3rd. Sandy Clark led things off with a single and Brett Jiggins continued his hot hitting with an RBI single.
Marc MacDonald got the start for the Flyers and faced the minimum 9 batters through 3 innings, allowing 1 hit. Thornhill got on the board in the 4th, tying things at 1. Jiggins gave the Flyers the lead in the 6th when he hit a solo shot to right field, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead.
Thornhill responded with 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th on 3 hits, taking a 3-2 lead. MacDonald retired the side in the 7th and came out for the 8th. The home side struck for 3 more in the 8th, all charged to MacDonald who was relieved with 1 away by Clark.
The Flyers couldn't rally in the 9th, dropping a 6-2 decision that was a pitcher's battle throughout. With the loss the Flyers drop to 3-8 on the season. They host Markham at home Wednesday night. Josh DeMattos will start for Port Hope.
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Jiggins leads Flyers to rout of Eagles
June 20, 2008 --
Two struggling teams met Thursday night in Kendal and one streak ended while another continued on. Heading into the game the Port Hope Flyers had dropped 4 straight games and the Kendal Eagles were winless on the season.
Port Hope struck in the first inning after Brad Dowler singled and Brett Jiggins brought him around with an RBI single. Kendal drew even in the home side of the 1st and things were all tied at 1.
The Flyers blew the doors open in the 2nd inning striking for 4 runs. Charlie Hall and Rob McNab each walked to start things off. Josh DeMattos and Dowler each knocked in a run giving the Flyers a 3-1 lead. Jiggins singled in 2 more as the visitors took a 5-1 lead. Jiggins knocked in another run in the 4th, giving him 4 RBI in 3 plate appearances.
The Flyers kept it coming, adding another 4 in the 5th to take a commanding 10-1 lead. DeMattos and Dowler each knocked in another run and Jiggins brought home another 2 runs, totalling 6 RBI's and a 4/4 start to the game. Kendal chipped away, scoring 2 in the 5th and 3 in the 6th making it a 10-6 game.
The Flyers added 3 more in the 8th as McNab knocked in 2 runs, Port Hope had a 13-6 lead. The Eagles scored 2 more in the bottom of the 8th, trailing 13-8. In the top half of the 9th the Flyers added some insurance to their lead, scoring 3 more to go up 16-8. Kendal added one more, but it wasn't enough, as the Flyers moved to 3-7 on the season.
Mike McNaught (1-1) got the win for Port Hope, battling through 7 innings to get his first victory of the season. Adam Wallace mopped things up. The Flyers' next game is Tuesday at Thornhill, Marc MacDonald will get the start.
Offensive Stars for the Flyers:
Brett Jiggins: 5/6, 1 R, 6 RBI
Brad Dowler: 2/5, 2 R, 2 RBI
Rob McNab: 2/4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB
Charlie Hall: 1/3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 3 BB
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Baker's gem squandered in Markham
June 19, 2008 --
The Port Hope Flyers and Markham Pioneers met Wednesday and were in an old fahsioned pitcher's duel. Cory Baker gave up a leadoff double to Jeff Fox in the 1st inning. Jesse Dynes brought him around with an RBI single. That run held up until the 6th when Dynes led off with a single and scored, giving Markham a 2-0 lead.
The Flyers came to life in the 8th thanks to a Brett Jiggins lead off triple. Tye Welch's sacrifice fly brought the visitors to within 1 run. Port Hope was set down in order in the top of the 9th, dropping their 4th straight. Baker was masterful against the Pioneers, going all 8 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. His mixing of speeds gave Markham's quality lineup fits all night.
Though they have been in most of their games, the team was unhappy after the loss and look forward to Thursday's game against the Kendal Eagles, where Port Hope looks to snap their streak. Mike McNaught will make the start for the Flyers.
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3 straight losses for Port Hope
June 15, 2008 --
Facing their third straight "A" level team at home, the Port Hope Flyers out in another respectable effort, but dropped a tight one to the Ajax Spartans.
Josh DeMattos made his first start of the season and showed some rust in the opening frame. After hitting the 2nd batter of the game, DeMattos allowed 2 straight hits, as Ajax took a 2-0 lead. Port Hope answered back with 2 in the 2nd, on the strength of a 2-run jack by Charlie Hall.
Ajax added one more in the 3rd, taking a 3-2 lead. DeMattos settled in after that, retiring 9 straight batters. The next batter, John Frederick, gave Ajax a 4-2 as he blasted one out of the park. DeMattos went a strong 7 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 8. Adam Wallace came in from the bullpen and continued his strong pitching with 2 scoreless innings.
Brett Jiggins led off a Port Hope 9th inning rally with a double to right. Tye Welch followed with a single, bringing Hall and the winning run to the plate. Hall was set down on strikes. Rob McNab picked him up with an RBI single, making it a 4-3 game with the tying run on 3rd. Jake Tuominen hit one back to the pitcher, but the Flyers were running the contact play and Welch was cut off at the plate. That was as close as the Flyers would get, as they dropped another tough game.
Now 2-6 on the season, the Flyers will make the trip to Markham Wednesday night and look to Cory Baker to get them back in the win column.
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Flyers bow down to Royals
June 12, 2008 --
The defending Ontario "A" champion Oshawa Royals took on the Port Hope Flyers at the Town Park on Wednesday night and dealt the home side their second straight loss by a score of 6-0.
Marc MacDonald made the start for the Flyers and spotted the visitors 3 runs in the opening frame, allowing 3 hits and a walk. Oshawa scored 2 more in the 3rd to give them a 5 run lead. MacDonald settled down and held the Royals off the board through the end of the 6th. In the loss, MacDonald (0-2) went 6 innings, allowing 10 hits, 2 walks and striking out 4. Adam Wallace came on in relief and was effective once again, holding the Royals to 1 unearned run on 3 hits in 3 innings of work.
The 5 runs were all that the Royals needed, as the Flyers could only muster 2 hits on the night. Port Hope's offence has struggled in the last 2 games, as they have only been able to score 1 run on 7 hits.
Port Hope's next action will be the last of their 4-game homestand, as they host the Ajax Spartans on Saturday. A starter has yet to be decided.
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Flyers drop one to Markham
June 9, 2008 --
Coming off a big win against the Whitby Canadians, the Port Hope Flyers looked to make it two in a row, as they hosted the Markham Pioneers on a sweltering Saturday afternoon.
Mike McNaught got the start for the Flyers and got out of an early jam in the top of the 1st inning, holding the Pioneers off the scoreboard. The game remained that way until the 3rd inning, when Mark Petrou led off with a triple and was brought in on a sacrifice fly. Markham took the 1-0 lead into the 6th inning, as McNaught held the Pioneers at bay. The Flyer bats however had only mustered 2 hits to that point against Mark Cheeseman.
The floodgates opened in the 6th though, as Markham struck for 5 runs. Steve Horsley was the man of the hour, knocking a grand slam to left field, making it a 5-0 game. The visitors added one more to take a 6-0 lead.
The Flyers' bats finally awoke in the bottom of the 9th, as they scored 1 run and had the winning run in the on-deck circle. The deficit was too much for the Flyers to overcome as they left the bases loaded, falling to 2-4 on the season. Port Hope will host the Oshawa Royals Wednesday and Marc MacDonald will get the start.
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Flyers end losing streak at 3
June 5, 2008 --
After opening the season with a win, the Port Hope Flyers dropped the next 3 games. They got back into the win column with a 7-4 victory at home over the Whitby Canadians Wednesday night.
Cory Baker made his second start of the season and Whitby touched him up for 4 hits, jumping to an early 3-0 lead in the top half of the first inning. The veteran lefty settled down in the top of the 2nd, setting down all 3 Canadian batters. The Flyers responded in the bottom of the 3rd. Brandon Duck singled and Brett Jiggins singled to cash him in.
Charlie Hall continued to show a keen eye at the plate, walking in the 4th. Rob McNab and Tye Welch followed with singles to load the bases. The Flyers were unable to take advantage, stranding all 3 runners. Whitby added to their lead in the 6th, capitalizing on a Port Hope miscue to plate an unearned run and take a 4-1 lead.
The Flyers showed great resolve in the bottom half of the inning, batting around on their way to 6 runs on 6 hits. With one out, McNab, Welch and Derek Dennee all singled. Duck knocked in a run with a single, making it a 4-2 game. Brad Dowler tied things up with a 2-run single. The rally continued thanks to a 2-run triple to right centre by Brett Jiggins. Tom Langford brought in the 6th run of the inning with an RBI single and all of a sudden the Flyers had a 7-4 lead.
Baker went 8 strong innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned), 9 hits, 3 walks and struck out 2. Mike McNaught was brought in to close things out in the 9th inning. After walking the leadoff hitter, McNaught retired the next 3 batters, earning his first save of the season. With the win the Flyers move to 2-3 on the season. If not for a couple of blown leads, the Flyers could easily be 4-1.
Offensive stars for the Flyers:
Brad Dowler: 2/5, 1 R, 2 RBI
Brett Jiggins: 3/5, 1 R, 3 RBI, SB
Tye Welch: 3/4. 1 R
Brandon Duck: 2/4, 2R, 2 RBI
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Ron Davis joins Flyers coaching staff
June 2, 2008 --
The Port Hope Flyers are pleased to announce that they have bolstered their coaching staff. Ron Davis will be joining manager Bernie Alldred and player/coach Tom Langford on the Flyers bench. Davis previously managed the Kendal Royals junior club to a couple of Provincial championships. Ronnie brings an excellent understanding of the game, as well as a great passion for baseball. The Flyers are happy to welcome Ron to the fold.
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Flyers drop another tight one
June 1, 2008 --
Despite a heavy downpour earlier Saturday, the Port Hope Flyers were able to get a game in against the Peterborough Juniors. Manager Bernie Alldred was unable to make it, so Port hope's newest addition, Coach Ron Davis made his debut running the show. The first order of business was to find a pitcher to start the game, as Josh DeMattos couldn't make his scheduled start due to prior engagements. Davis looked to veteran Marc MacDonald to make his first start of the year.
The Flyers gave MacDonald some support early on. Rob McNab led the game off with a walk and Brandon Duck followed suit. Both came around to score in the first frame. MacDonald let the Tigers back into the game after the leadoff hitter got aboard on an error. Peterborough followed with two singles and it was a 2-2 game after one inning. The game remained that way until the fifth inning when Port Hope exploded for 3 runs. McNab, Duck and Jiggins all scored as a result of some shaky Peterborough defence.
Meanwhile MacDonald was cruising, retiring 8 of 9 hitters at one point. He started the 6th off by recording 2 straight outs and seemed poised to get through 6 with Port Hope up 5-2. Getting that third out was the hard part. MacDonald allowed 2 runs to score and was relieved by Mike McNaught, leading 5-4. McNaught seemed like he would get out the jam, but the Flyers defence slipped up, allowing 2 more runs to score. MacDonald went 5 2/3 innings, allowing 6 runs (1 earned), 5 hits and walked none.
The Flyers never seemed to recover from that tough 6th inning and let another game slip away that they should have won. With the loss, Port Hope falls to 1-3 on the season and prepare to host the Whitby Canadians on Wednesday.
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Flyers drop 2 in a row
May 29, 2008 --
The Port Hope Flyers dropped a pair of games this week, as they travelled to Thornhill on Tuesday night and hosted the Kingston Ponies Wednesday night. Cory Baker made his season debut on the hill Tuesday and dealt with extremely chilly weather on the night. Baker (0-1) had a tough luck night in the loss. The veteran lefty looked sharp, but was hurt by numerous bleeders and errors. In 5 innings he gave up 8 hits, 6 runs, 4 of which were earned. He left with the Flyers trailing 6-3. The wheels fell off from there on, as the Flyers seemed to give in to the frigid weather. Neither the bats, nor the bullpen work of Brad Dowler and Marc MacDonald were good enough to keep the Flyers in it, as they got mercied 13-3.
24 hours later Port Hope was back at it, taking on Kingston at home. Mike McNaught got the ball in the home opener for the Flyers. Both team traded runs in the first inning. McNaught struggled with his control in the 2nd and 3rd innings and left after 3 innings with a 6-2 deficit. Port Hope's bats came to life in the bottom half of the 3rd, as Cory Baker started a run of 4 straight singles, scoring 3 runs and drawing the home side to within 1 run. Brad Dowler singled and scored in the bottom of the 4th to tie the game. Josh DeMattos continued his hot hitting in the 5th, as he singled, stole second and came around to score, giving the Flyers a 7-6 lead.
Adam Wallace pitched a solid 3 innings of relief, including a gutsy 6th inning that saw him stay in the game after being hit hard by a comebacker. He pitched into the 7th, allowing his only 2 runs on a homerun to right that tied things at 8. Josh DeMattos got things started again in the bottom of the 7th, singling and scoring to give the Flyers a 9-8 lead. Jake Tuominen came on in the 7th and continued into the 9th, mixing speeds and giving the Ponies fits. After walking a batter with one out in the ninth, Tuominen was lifted in favour of DeMattos. The hard throwing Flyers rookie came in to finish things off, but gave up a single. With 2 on and one out Derek Mack broke the Flyers' hearts with a 3-run bomb to left, giving the Ponies an 11-9 lead. DeMattos led off with a single in the 9th, but was left stranded and the Flyers dropped a game they should have won.
Of note in this game, DeMattos and Brandon Duck made several highlight reel plays in the middle infield for Port Hope. Tuominen threw well in his 2 innings. Cory Baker was 4/5 on the night and DeMattos had a 3/6 night at the plate. The Flyers have learned that they will be without Wes Eriksson for quite some time, as he is suffering from a badly sprained ankle. Port Hope's next action will be Saturday in Peterborough, as DeMattos will get the start.
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Flyers soar above Eagles in season opener
May 19, 2008 --
The 2008 EOBA season kicked off in Kendal Monday afternoon as the Port Hope Flyers travelled to Kendal. Both teams put on a good show and it looked as though the Kendal fans would be treated to some bonus baseball. The Flyers would have none of it though and rode a 9th inning rally to victory by a score of 6-3.
Newcomer Adam Wallace got the start for the Flyers. He pitched himself out of a jam in the first inning and limited the damage to 1 run. Port Hope responded in the top half of the second inning, as they plated 3 runs on 3 hits. Rob McNab had an RBI single and rookie Josh DeMattos chipped in with a 2-run single to give the Flyers the lead. Wallace ran into trouble in the bottom half of the 4th, loading the bases and giving way to Marc MacDonald. MacDonald came in with none out and allowed a sac fly to left and got out of the inning with the score 3-2. He continued to cruise through his next 2 innings, walking one batter and striking out two.
Rookie Jake Tuominen came in relief in the bottom of the 7th inning and allowed 1 run on 2 hits, as Kendal tied things up. DeMattos took over on the mound for the bottom of the 8th. He allowed 2 hits, but stranded both runners. He then led off the 9th with a walk and was moved over by a Brett Jiggins sacrifice bunt. Wes Eriksson reached 1st on an error and also injured himself on the play, forcing him to the sidelines. A Kyle Vowels passed ball scored the go ahead run. Cory Baker then walked, giving the Flyers 2 runners in scoring position with 1 out and Matt Walberg due at the plate. Flyers manager Bernie Alldred looked to veteran Tom Langford to pinch hit in the crucial situation. As he has done time and time again, Langford delivered in the clutch with an opposite field single, bringing in an insurance run. The Flyers added one more on a Brad Dowler double to left, making it a 6-3 ballgame.
DeMattos closed the door on the Eagles in the bottom of the 9th, earning his first win as a Flyer and giving Port Hope a big win over their rivals. DeMattos went 2 innings for the win, giving up 0 runs on 2 hits, while striking out 2. Port Hope's next action comes at home Wednesday against the Thornhill Reds. Mike McNaught will start. Wes Eriksson's ankle injury appeared to be serious and he could miss signifcant time.
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Flyers 2008 season nears take off
May 15, 2008 --
As the long weekend approaches, so too does the beginning of the 2008 EOBA season. The league's first contest will see long time rivals face off, as the Port Hope Flyers will make the short trip to Kendal to take on the Eagles. Veteran lefty Cory Baker will get the opening day honours on the hill for the Flyers. Coming off a down season by his standards, Baker will look to get off to a good start against the reigning OBA "C" champions.
The Flyers struggled on their way to a last place finish in 2007 and are looking to rebound and gain some respect in 2008. The club has lost some regular contributors. Mike "Ned" Landers and Brad Pickering will not be suiting up in 2008. Landers was a key member of the club's pitching staff and will be missed as much for his on-field performance as he was for his clubhouse presence. Pickering was a valuable left handed bat in the middle of the order.
Manager Bernie Alldred has filled some of those holes with some key additions to the roster. Josh DeMattos, Adam Wallace and Tye Welch will add some youth, skill and depth to the club. DeMattos has just returned from his college baseball season with The Salem Fighting Tigers. He may win the starting shortstop job, as well logging some major innings on the mound. Wallace is an EOBA veteran making his return after a few years off. Wallace is expected to shore up the Flyers pitching staff. Welch is a young catcher. He comes to the Flyers after having played for the Kendal Royals Junior team. The addition of talented youth has the Flyers feeling optimistic for 2008.
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