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Last Updated: October 8, 2009
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Flyers bring home back to back titles
September 8, 2009 --
The Port Hope Flyers took part in the OBA C Championship this past weekend in Orillia and defended their title successfully, going 4-1 on their way to their 2nd consecutive championship.
Port Hope Flyers: 2 vs. Courtright Cardinals: 0
The Flyers opened the tournament against Courtright and handed the ball to Mike McNaught, who found himself in a pitcher's duel early on. The Flyers bats came to life in the 4th inning though, as Tye Welch nailed an opposite field single that scored Cory Baker and Ryan Davis. The 2 runs held up, as McNaught scattered 5 hits on his way to the shutout.
Port Hope Flyers: 4 vs. Creemore Braves: 2
Next up was an 8 am Saturday tilt against Creemore, who were expected to be one of the toughest teams in the tournament. Baker started for the Flyers and allowed a run in the 2nd inning. Kyle Moloney led off the 3rd with a single and was bunted to 2nd by Brad Dowler. Brett Jiggins cashed him in with a double and then scored on a Brad Pickering single, giving the Flyers a 2-1 lead. Welch got the 4th started with a base hit and scored on a Dowler single, making it a 3-1 game. Wes Eriksson's set the table in the 5th and he scored on a Robert McNab single to make it 4-1.
Baker allowed another run in the 6th and was relieved by McNaught with 1 out. McNaught closed things out and preserved the 4-2 win. Baker was solid in his 5 1/3 innings, allowing 8 hits and getting out of jams in clutch situations.
Port Hope Flyers: 2 vs. Ivy Leafs: 5
The Flyers got a nice rest Saturday afternoon and then faced the Ivy Leafs on Saturday night. Marc MacDonald started for the Flyers and had a rough outing for the 2nd consecutive weekend. After allowing 2 runs in the 1st, MacDonald appeared to be regaining his form in the 2nd, retiring the first 2 hitters. Things fell apart there though, as a dribbler got past MacDonald for an infield single, the next batter drew a walk and then an error loaded the bases. The next hitter hit a 3-run double and that was it for MacDonald.
The Flyers got on the board in the 4th, as Jiggins singled and stole 2nd and then scored on a Dowler single. Derek Dennee led off the 5th with a single and Craig Francoeur pinch ran for him. Frenchy scored on a Moloney single. Davis followed with a walk and suddenly the Flyers were down 5-2 with runners on 1st and 2nd for Jiggins, who smashed one to deep right field. The right fielder appeared to make an outstanding catch, but the ball seemed to pop out of his glove on contact with the ground, but the umpires ruled it a catch and robbed the Flyers of 2 big runs. The Flyers got no closer, but were held in the game by Paul Garrard's outstanding work in relief. Garrard allowed only 2 hits and no runs in 5 1/3 innings of work.
Port Hope Flyers: 5 vs. West Niagara Warriors: 3
Sunday morning saw the Flyers take on West Niagara and Ryan Davis started for the Flyers and did a great job. The Flyers struck first in the 3rd, as Welch singled and Brandon Duck and Eriksson walked, loading the bases for Jiggins, who cleared the bases with a double. Davis allowed his first hit in the 4th and that led to a run, cutting the Flyers lead to 3-1. Baker started the 6th with a walk and scored on a Moloney single, giving the Flyers a 4-1 lead.
West Niagara scored 2 runs in the 6th to make it 4-3, but the Flyers responded in the 7th, as Baker reached after being hit by a pitch and mcNab singled him home. Davis shut the door in the bottom half of the inning, earning a huge win. Davis struck out 6 and limited the Warriors to just 2 hits.
The Flyers now had to watch Creemore and Ivy play to determine their next opponent. Ivy was the lone undefeated team, but lost to Creemore. A draw was needed to determine who got the bye to the finals, which the Flyers won, so they had to watch Ivy and Creemore battle once again. Creemore again came out on top, meaning they would face the Flyers for the title.
Port Hope Flyers: 3 vs. Creemore Braves: 0
Playing their 3rd straight game, the Braves would still be a formidable foe for the Flyers, but McNaught was on the mound for Port Hope, so they knew they were in a good spot. Eriksson started the 2nd inning with a single and eventually scored on a passed ball to get the Flyers on the board. Moloney led off the 3rd with a single and stole 2nd base. Jiggins then reached on an error and stole 2nd, giving the Flyers runners at 2nd and 3rd for Eriksson who squared to bunt on a squeeze, but pulled back. It didn't matter though, as Moloney stole it cleanly and gave the Flyers a 2-0 lead. Baker singled to score Jiggins, making it a 3-0 game.
That was all the Flyers needed, as McNaught baffled the Braves, limiting them to 1 hit, finishing off 15 2/3 innings of scoreless ball for the weekend, proving once again how clutch he is, as he led the Flyers to the tournament championship.
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EOBA tourney ends early for the Flyers
August 30, 2009 --
They had an 18-9 regular season record, which earned them 2nd place in the standings and an expectation of contending for the EOBA tournament championship, but the Port Hope Flyers struggled this past weekend and were the first team eliminated. The tournament host opened its weekend by hosting the Whitby Canadians on Friday night.
Kyle Moloney was shifted to the leadoff spot and excelled early on, reaching with a single and promptly stealing 2nd and 3rd base. Wes Eriksson's RBI single scored Moloney and Cory Baker's single brought Eriksson home and the Flyers took an early 2-0 lead. Whitby responded in the 2nd with 3 runs and went ahead 3-2. The Flyers evened things up in the 4th, as Derek Dennee scored on a wild pitch.
Whitby went ahead in the 6th inning on a Jeff hardy RBI single. Port Hope had runners on 1st and 3rd, but couldn't get the key hit and trailed 4-3 heading into the 7th inning. Mike McNaught retired the first 2 batters, but couldn't get the 3rd out, as he allowed 3 runs and was relieved by Paul Garrard, who recorded the final out, as Whitby took a 7-3 lead into the bottom of the 7th. Ryan Davis' double is all the Flyers could generate, as they fell to the Canadians.
Game 2 was set for 9:30 Saturday morning as the Flyers would meet the Kingston Ponies, but a heavy rain delayed the start until 2:00 pm. That delay apparently must not have helped starter Marc MacDonald, as he turned in his worst start of the season. MacDonald allowed a 3-run homer and a solo shot in the top of the 1st, putting his team down 4-0. He allowed another run in the 2nd and was hooked after 1 2/3 innings and his team trailing 5-1.
The Flyers battled hard though and took MacDonald off the hook in the 2nd, as a Moloney 3-run homer highlighted a 4-run inning that tied things at 5. Kingston got to Garrard for 2 runs in the 4th and the Flyers trailed 7-5. They narrowed the gap to 7-6 in the 5th, as Eriksson walked and eventually scored. Baker led off the 7th with a walk and Jiggins followed with a bunt single, bringing Eriksson to the plate. He was asked to bunt and his bunt resulted in a force out at 3rd base. Brad Pickering and Davis both struck out, as the Flyers just couldn't get it done, dropping a 7-6 decision to the Ponies.
The Flyers will be in Orillia next weekend for the OBA C Championship tournament. They will open up at 3:30 Friday afternoon against Courtright.
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Flyers gear up for final 2 weekends
August 28, 2009 --
After one of their most successful regular seasons in recent memory, the Port Hope Flyers will look to put the finishing touches on a great year with some stellar play in their final 2 weekends of the season. The Flyers will host the EOBA tournament this weekend and will open things up with a 6:45 contest with the Whitby Canadians. The Canadians gave the Flyers some trouble during the season, handing them 3 of their 9 losses.
An 18-9 season has the Flyers feeling and looking good heading into these 2 crucial tournaments. Mike McNaught heads up a pitching staff that was lights out during the season, with 5 legitimate starting pitchers that can all finish what they started. Offensively Wes Eriksson led the team in hitting again, but behind him there was a lot of punch. Kyle Moloney was a vital addition, as his 4 homers provided some extra pop aside from Brett Jiggins' dangerous presence in the 3-spot for the Flyers. Brad Pickering's return to the Flyers added another .300 hitter and his 17 RBI was second behind Jiggins' 19. Ryan Davis showed some power in his rookie season, knocking 3 out of the park.
All in all the Flyers have all the parts to make a deep run in the EOBA's and the OBA's in Orillia. They are aiming to repeat as C champions, but will run into some good competition in Creemore and Courtright. If they show the same fortitude as they did last season, with an improved team this year, then they should be in good shape.
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Flyers land 6th straight win
August 13, 2009 --
The Peterborough Junior Tigers visited the Flyers on Wednesday night and the Flyers starting rotation turned out another gem. Marc MacDonald made the start and went the distance in an 8-1 win. Ryan Davis led off the 1st inning with a walk and later scored on a passed ball to give the Flyers an early lead.
The floodgates opened in the 4th inning with Flyers scoring 5 runs and sending 10 men to the plate. Mike Walker knocked in a run on a fielder's choice and Brandon Duck brought in another with a single. The big blow was a 3-run homer by Davis that put the Flyers up 6-0.
MacDonald continued to cruise along, including a 3-pitch 6th inning. The Flyers tacked on 2 more runs in the 7th to make it 8-0. MacDonald lost the shutout in the 8th on an unearned run. He finished things off in the 9th for his 4th complete game of the year, allowing 5 hits, walking none and striking out 2 for the win.
The Flyers will host Kendal for a night time double dip on Friday night.
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Davis dominates and goes the distance
August 9, 2009 --
Winners of 4 straight games, the Port Hope Flyers had to battle the weather and the Whitby Canadians on Sunday afternoon. Luckily neither stood in their way, as Ryan Davis put forth an incredible effort, throwing 165 pitches in a complete game 4-2 win. The win was the team's 5th straight and 6th straight complete game from their pitching staff.
Davis was a bit shaky in the opening frame, walking Andre Steer to lead off the game and allowed 2 more hits following that. The Canadians were able to take advantage and pushed 2 runs across. Brett Jiggins led off the 4th inning with a double and scored on a Brad Pickering single, to narrow the gap to 2-1. Jiggins again came through with a double to start off the 6th inning and scored on an error to tie the game at 2.
Craig Francoeur hasn't seen much action this season, but he pinch hit in the 7th inning and led off with a single. Cory Baker moved him over with a sacrifice bunt and Brad Dowler's single scored Francoeur on a close play at the plate to give the Flyers a 3-2 lead. Davis ran into some trouble in the 8th, with runners at 2nd and 3rd, but was able to retire the next 3 hitters and get out of the jam. Baker started off the 9th with a base hit and Dowler followed that with a single of his own. Pickering collected yet another RBI on a fielder's choice, to give the Flyers an insurance run.
Davis went back out for the 9th and retired the first 2 batters before allowing a single to Matt Melissis, bringing up Rob Patterson with 2 outs. Davis got Patterson to hit into a fielder's choice and nailed down the victory. Davis struggled with his control, walking 6 batters, but struck out 11 while scattering 5 hits. The Flyers improved to 15-7 with the win and will face the Peterborough Juniors on Wednesday night.
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Garrard's gem gives Flyers the win
August 6, 2009 --
Having won 3 straight games, the Port Hope Flyers looked to take the second of back to back games against the Kendal Eagles. Paul Garrard made the start and continued a recent trend, by going the distance for a 3-2 win. It was the Flyers fifth straight complete game in a row.
The offence started slowly, as it was scoreless through 3 innings. The Flyers struck first in the 4th inning though when Brad Pickering started things off by wearing a curveball and earning his way to first base. Cory Baker followed with a single and Tye Welch's single brought Pickering home to get the lead. Kendal tied the game in the home half of the 4th after putting together a couple of hits. Brandon Duck's walk opened the 5th inning and with 2 outs Brett Jiggins reached on an error by Bryan Landry. Pickering kept up his hot hitting and scored both on a single, giving the Flyers a 3-1 lead.
Garrard kept pounding the strike zone and getting outs, having only allowed 3 hits through 6 innings of play. The 7th inning is when Kendal put together 3 hits and were able to score another run, making it a 1-run game. That was as close as it would get though because Garrard remained in control and closed out the 3-2 win, allowing only 6 hits and striking out 3. The win guarantees the Flyers a winning season, which was a goal entering the season. There is still lots of work to be done though and that will be continued on Sunday in Whitby.
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McNaught leads Flyers to victory
August 6, 2009 --
The Knedal Eagles visited the Port Hope Flyers for the first end of a home and home series on Wednesady night. Mike McNaught threw a gem, as the Flyers beat the Eagles 6-1.
Tye Welch reached on a fielder's choice in the 2nd inning and Robert McNab followed with a walk and both scored on a Sandy clark single to take a 2-0 lead. Kendal scored their lone run in the top of the 3rd, to narrow it to a 2-1 game. Brett Jiggins led off the bottom of the 3rd with a walk and Welch reached on a strikeout. Derek Dennee's RBI single made it a 3-1 game and another run scored on another error on a 3rd strike, giving the Flyers a 4-1 lead.
Cory Baker started the 4th with a base hit and was bunted to 2nd by Brad Dowler. Jiggins then singled and stole 2nd, giving Brad Pickering 2 runners in scoring position. Pickering battled and fouled off several pitches before singling and scoring 2 more runs to make it a 6-1 lead. That was all McNaught needed, as he went the distance, striking out 4 and allowing 5 hits on his way to the win.
The Flyers will visit Kendal Thursday night and will send Paul Garrard to the hill.
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Flyers win a pair over the Ponies
August 3, 2009 --
The Port Hope Flyers hosted the Kingston Ponies for a doubleheader on Sunday afternoon in a pair of games that had just about everything you could imagine happen. From homeruns, outfielders running into fences, a hidden ball trick, trash talk and ejections, all served to ratchet up the intensity under the hot sun. The Flyers were able to respond to the Ponies sweeping them in Kingston, by taking both games at home.
Game 1:
Flyers 10 Ponies 4
Cory Baker started for the Flyers and retired the side in order in the top of the 1st. The Flyers then exploded for 4 runs in the bottom half of the frame. Brad Dowler led off with a single and scored on a Brett Jiggins RBI double. Brad Pickering followed with a single and Cory Baker's 2-run double gave the Flyers 3-0 lead. Robert McNab singled to score Baker.
Mike Walker led off the 2nd with a single and scored on a Kingston error to make it 5-0. The Flyers would strike for another in the 5th inning, as Ryan Davis led off with a single and scored on a Baker RBI single, helping himself out with 3 RBI on the day. The only trouble that the veteran lefty would encounter came in the 6th inning, as the Ponies put together 4 hits and scored 4 runs, narrowing the Flyers lead to 6-4.
Port Hope answered immediately though with another 4 runs, hilighted by a Davis 3-run homer to left. That was all they would need, as Baker went the distance, scattering 8 hits for the win.
Game 2:
Flyers 8 Ponies 4
Marc MacDonald got the ball for game 2 and after retiring the side in the 1st, MacDonald allowed a solo homer to right field in the 2nd inning, staking the Ponies to an early lead. Kingston added another in the 3rd inning, as a lead off walk came around to score. The Ponies were poised to do more damage in the 3rd inning, with runners at 1st and 3rd, but Davis and MacDonald executed the hidden ball trick, catching the Ponies runner at 3rd off guard and avoiding some trouble. The play would cause some trouble later in the game though.
The Flyers seemed energized by the play,sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring 5 runs in the bottom of the 3rd, highlighted by a Mike Walker 3-run triple. They added 3 more in the 4th, as Walker knocked in 2 more with single, stretching the Flyers lead to 8-2.
The bottom of the 5th is when things got interesting. Davis came to the plate and the first pitch sailed behind his back and the second pitch hit him, which was apparently retribution for the hidden ball trick. Somehow the Flyers were immediately warned not to retaliate. Many more words were exchanged and Davis and Derek Mack were eventually ejected.
MacDonald fought through his own sloppy defence and nailed down his 3rd consecutive complete game. In the win, MacDonald allowed 7 hits, 3 of which were solo homeruns. The Flyers improved their record to 12-7 for the season and will host Kendal on Wednesday night.
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Flyers drop one in extra innings
July 20, 2009 --
Having won 3 straight games and 2 straight against the Kendal Eagles, the Port Hope Flyers were looking to add another win to the total this past Sunday in Kendal. The Eagles were up to the task and pulled out an extra inning win by a score of 5-4.
Kendal started the scoring in the 2nd when Flyers starter Ryan Davis walked the lead-off hitter and he came around to score. The Flyers answered right back in the top of the 3rd, as Mike Walker started things off with a walk, Wes Eriksson followed with a single and both scored on a complicated play that had a series of umpiring flaws that affected both teams. Either way the Flyers led 2-1 after 3 innings of play.
Davis settled in, limiting the Eagles to that single run through 6 innings. Robert McNab singled to start off the 7th inning and scored on a Derek Dennee pinch hit single, stretching the Flyers lead to 3-1. Davis went back out for the 7th and allowed a tough luck 3 runs, as the Eagles came through with some timely and well placed hits and took a 4-3 lead.
With 1 out in the 8th, Kyle Moloney drew a walk and stole 2nd base. He came in to score on an Eagles error and the game was all tied at 4. The Flyers continued to threaten with runners at 1st and 2nd, but were unable to take advantage. Adam Wallace came on in relief and pitched a solid 8th inning. Again the Flyers had a chance in the 9th, but stranded a runner at 2nd base.
Wallace started the 9th and retired Bryan Landry, before allowing a double to Kyle Searle. With BJ Hackett coming to the plate, the Flyers decided to issue him an intentional walk. The Eagles had two straight left handed hitters due up, so Cory Baker came in and held the Eagles off the board, forcing extra innings.
Moloney started the 10th inning by reaching on a Landry error and would make it to 2nd, but would go no further as the Flyers again failed to score in a key situation. Chris Stark singled to lead off the 10th for Kendal and eventually scored on a 1-out single by Chris Mullen.
With the loss the Flyers record dropped to 9-6 on the season. They will host Peterborough on Wednesday night.
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Flyers win a nail biter
July 16, 2009 --
Coming off an exciting come from behind win against the Kendal Eagles last Friday, the Port Hope Flyers met their rivals for the middle game of a 3-game set. Marc MacDonald got the ball for the Flyers and he and Phil Cammisulli engaged in an all out pitcher's duel.
The Flyers threatened to score in the opening frame, but stranded runners at first and second. They then stranded 2 more runners in the 2nd inning,squandering 2 great scoring opportunities early on. The Eagles best chance came in the 3rd when they had runners on the corners, but Dave Trew flew out to left field and Tye Welch gunned down a runner at second to end the threat.
Port Hope continued to be able to get runners aboard, but couldn't get any timely hits, as the game remained scoreless into the 7th. That is when the Eagles ran themselves into trouble. Troy Foster reached on a single and a pinch runner took over for him and Lee Allin followed with a hard hit double, but Kyle Moloney and Brett Jiggins executed a picture perfect relay and cut the runner off at 3rd. With 2 outs in the inning, MacDonald got a ground ball to 2nd, but Brandon Duck bobbled it, so Allin tried to score on the play, but Duck's throw beat him and the Flyers escaped the inning without any damage.
Evan Moore relieved Cammisulli in the 7th and walked Duck to start off the inning. Duck immediately stole 2nd base and Wes Eriksson followed with a single and made a wide turn. The throw was cut off and Eriksson was in no man's land. Mark Foster raced Eriksson to the bag and he was called out, but Duck alertly broke for home and scored the first run of the game.
That would be all the Flyers needed, as MacDonald held it down from there, scattering 9 hits and 2 walks with no strikeouts for the complete game 1-0 shutout win. The Flyers improved to 9-5 with the win and look to sweep the 3-game set with the Eagles when they visit Kendal on Sunday afternoon.
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Flyers break Eagles hearts
July 11, 2009 --
With 3 big games coming up against the rival Kendal Eagles, the Port Hope Flyers definitely wanted to get started on the right foot in Friday night's game and it appeared as though they would early on. Wes Eriksson led off the first inning with a well hit single to right field and later scored on a Kyle Moloney sacrifice fly to stake the Flyers to an early lead.
Mike McNaught was slated to start, but couldn't make it, so Cory Baker was pressed into action and things didn't start out well for the veteran lefty. After retiring the first 2 Eagle batters, Bryan Landry and Chris Stark each reached base with singles. BJ Hackett followed with a 3-run homer to left and the Eagles were up 3-1. They added 1 more in the opening frame and led 4-1.
Nick Stacey started the 4th by reaching on a walk and Kyle Vowles belted a 2-run blast to right field and suddenly the Flyers trailed 6-1. The morale in the Flyers dugout seemed to be low, but in the bottom of the 5th Brandon Duck picked up the club with a highlight reel over the shoulder catch in short right field and threw to first to double off the Eagles runner.
Eriksson led off the 6th with a base hit and Brad Dowler followed suit. Brett Jiggins walked to load the bases for Moloney, who lined a 2-run double to left field, narrowing the gap to 6-3. With 1 out and 2 runners on, Tye Welch delivered a sac fly to right field, scoring Jiggins. Derek Dennee then came through with an RBI single to left and all of a sudden the Flyers trailed by 1 run.
The game would remain a 1-run contest until the top of the 9th when Ryan Davis led off with a walk and Duck moved him to second with a sac bunt. Eriksson came through with his fourth hit of the night and tied the game up at 6. Dowler then bunted Eriksson over to 2nd and Jiggins came through with an opposite field double to score Eriksson and give the Flyers a 7-6 lead. Baker retired the first 2 Eagle batters and then walked another, but was able to get the final out and seal a huge come from behind win for the Flyers.
The win improves the Flyers record to 8-5 for the season and they will face the Eagles again in Port Hope on Wednesday night. Marc MacDonald will start on the mound.
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Jiggins is Grand in Flyers win
July 9, 2009 --
Reeling from a 4-game losing streak, the Port Hope Flyers looked to get back to winning baseball when they hosted the Whitby Canadians on Wednesday night. Paul Garrard made his first start of the season and looked sharp early on, striking out the first 2 batters he faced. Garrard cruised until the 4th, when a leadoff walk came around to score. The Flyers answered right back in the bottom half of the inning, as Kyle Moloney continued his hot hitting with his 3rd homer of the year, a solo shot to left.
Robert McNab got the 5th inning rally started with a walk and the floodgates opened up wide from there, as the Flyers sent 10 men to the plate, on their way to scoring 6 runs in the inning. Wes Eriksson's RBI single scored McNab and Brett Jiggins came through with a majestic grand slam, giving the Flyers a 7-1 lead through 5. The Flyers added another run in the 6th on an Eriksson single.
Garrard continued his solid outing, going 7 strong innings and limiting the Canadians to 1 hit, while walking 6 and striking out 3. Adam Wallace took over in relief and finished things off throwing 2 solid innings out of the bullpen. Brad Dowler and Jiggins each added RBI singles in the 8th, stretching the Flyers lead to 10-1.
With the win, the Flyers improve their record to 7-5 and will face the Kendal Eagles 3 times in 11 days.
Offensive Stars:
Brett Jiggins: 2/5, 1 HR, 5 RBI
Kyle Moloney: 3/5, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI
Wes Eriksson: 3/5, 2 R, 2 RBI
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Flyers hit some turbulence
July 5, 2009 --
It was a long weekend in America this weekend and it was a long weekend of another sort for the Port Hope Flyers. It certainly wasn't one to celebrate, as they dropped 3 games in 20 hours and are in the midst of 4-game losing streak.
Port Hope: 6 vs. Whitby: 7
Friday night the Flyers made the trip to Whitby for a meeting with the Canadians and again were victimized by the long ball early on. Starter Mike McNaught walked Sean Tremaine with 2 out in the 1st inning and Jeff Hardy followed that with a 2-run homerun to right field, staking the home side to a 2-0 lead. Brad Dowler led off the 4th inning with a walk and scored on a Brad Pickering sacrifice fly to narrow the margin to 1 run. They continued to chip away in the 5th, as Kyle Moloney reached on a walk. Derek Dennee and Tye Welch came through with back-to-back singles, Welch's scoring Moloney. Dowler later singled in Dennee and gave the Flyers a 3-2 lead.
Whitby tied the game in the 6th and took a 4-3 lead in the 7th and McNaught left the game trailing by 1 run. Brett Jiggins led off the 8th inning with a walk and came around to score on an error. Then with Brad Pickering on base and 2-outs, Moloney continued his hot hitting, nailing an opposite field 2-run homer to give the Flyers a 6-4 lead.
Moloney relieved McNaught in the 7th and started off the 8th inning striking out 2 of the first 3 batters he faced, but then his control evaded him and things went downhill. The Canadians took advantage of his wildness and plated 3 runs to take a 7-6 lead. The Flyers weren't able to get anything going in the 9th and let a win slip away.
Game 1: Port Hope: 1 vs. Kingston: 4
The Flyers faced a short turnaround and travelled to Kingston for a double dip against the Ponies on Saturday. Cory Baker started on the mound and turned in a typical Baker performance. The Flyers bats however seemed to struggle in Game 1.
The Ponies opened the scoring in the 3rd inning on a Ryan Kerstens solo blast, but to that point no Flyer had reached base, as Ponies hurler Matt Wing was cruising. Robert McNab finally broke things up in the 5th with a triple to right field and he scored on a Welch RBI double. Kingston answered right back with a run in the home half of the 5th and led 2-1. They tacked on 2 more in the 6th, capitalizing on a 2-out error and a James Hornsby 2-run blast. Port Hope could not rally in the 7th and dropped their 3rd straight game.
Game 2: Port Hope: 1 vs. Kingston: 3
Marc MacDonald got the ball in Game 2 and was effectively wild throughout the game. He walked the lead off hitter in the 1st and naturally that resulted in a run, staking the Ponies to an early lead. Kurtis Miller singled in the 3rd and Jed Vallier followed that with a 2-run shot to right field and the Ponies were up 3-0.
Jiggins got the Flyers on the board in the 4th with a solo homerun to right field. MacDonald narrowly avoided more trouble in the 5th, after loading the bases with 1 out. He was able to get out the jam without any damage. The Flyers weren't able to produce any more offence, as they just couldn't get the timely hits they needed to come back.
The Flyers will look to bounce back, as they host Whitby on Wednesday night.
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Flyers tame Tigers again
June 15, 2009 --
For the 3rd straight game, the Port Hope Flyers took on the Peterborough Junior Tigers on Saturday night and for the 3rd straight time, the Flyers came out on top. Cory Baker made the start on the mound and was dominant. Both teams were embroiled in an intense pitcher's duel that remained scoreless into the 7th inning and Baker was perfect at that point.
Port Hope finally got themselves on the board in the top of the 7th, as Greg Bailey led off the inning with a walk, Adam Wallace followed by reaching on an error. Brad Dowler was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Brett Jiggins. The favourable situation turned out well for the Flyers, as Jiggins knocked in 2 runs with a single. Dowler then scored on a wild pitch and Ryan Davis scored Jiggins with a single, putting the Flyers up 4-0.
Baker went out for the bottom of the 7th with perfection in his sights and he retired the leadoff batter, but the 2nd batter followed with a bleeder to left centre that ended Baker's run of 19 consecutive batters retired. He was unfazed though and got out of the inning unscathed. Baker allowed a run to score in the bottom of the 9th, but that wasn't nearly enough, as the Flyers came out on top 4-1.
The win extends the Flyers winning streak to 5 games, as they get ready to face the Kendal Eagles on Wednesday night at home.
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Flyers take 2 on the weekend
June 9, 2009 --
The Port Hope Flyers faced the Peterborough Junior Tigers for a home and home set this past weekend and took both games, improving their record to 5-1 on the season and extended their winning streak to 4 games.
Saturday's game started off with a Robert McNab bases loaded walk that scored Brad Dowler and gave the Flyers an early lead. Starter Marc MacDonald made a costly error in the bottom of the 1st that led to 2 Tigers runs. The Flyers pulled even in the top of the 3rd when a McNab single scored Brett Jiggins. The Tigers jumped back to a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 3rd.
Port Hope tied the game at 3 in the top of the 6th when a Wes Eriksson single brought Tye Welch around to score. MacDonald retired the side in the bottom of the 6th, bringing an end to his day after he had retired the last 9 batters he faced. Sandy Clark's 2-out walk in the top of the 7th proved to be big, as he came around to score on Greg Bailey's RBI double, giving the Flyers a 4-3 lead.
Adam Wallace came out of the bullpen and was effective in his 2 innings, keeping Peterborough off the board. The Flyers added an insurance run in the 9th, as the team's newest addition, Kyle Moloney doubled to score McNab. Moloney then went in to finish things off on the mound and struck out 2 to preserve a 5-3 Flyers win.
Sunday's game started despite a strong forecast of rain, Mike McNaught got the ball for the Flyers and coughed up an early run, as the Tigers took a 1-0 lead. The Flyers answered back in the bottom of the 1st, Eriksson scored on a Moloney RBI single and Dowler came around on an error. Bailey led off the 2nd being hit by a pitch and Dowler knocked him in with a single, giving the Flyers a 3-1 lead.
McNaught was touched up in the 3rd for 3 runs byt the Tigers, as they took a 4-3 lead. That lead was shortlived though, as a McNab double led to a Brad Pickering RBI double and a tie game. Cory Baker led off the 5th with a walk, which was followed by McNab and Pickering singles. Bailey scored Baker on a sacrifice fly to left. Dowler added an RBI single and another run scored on a passed ball and the Flyers grabbed a 7-4 lead.
peterborough capitalized on 2 Flyers errors in the 7th and made it a 1-run game, by bringing in 2 runs. The Flyers answered right back with 2 of their own in the bottom of the 7th. Welch singled and scored on a Dowler suicide squeeze and Jiggins ripped an RBI single to make it a 9-6 game. The Tigers scored 2 more on McNaught in the 8th and once again it was a 1-run game.
McNaught went out to finish what he started in the 9th and plunked the lead-off hitter, who eventually came around to score. The Flyers couldn't muster any offence in the bottom of the 9th and the game went to extra innings.
Paul Garrard came on in relief and pitched a perfect inning to keep things knotted at 9. Baker led off the 10th with a single and moved up to 2nd on a perfect McNab sacrifice bunt. Baker then advanced to 3rd on a passed ball, which set the stage for Pickering, who laid down a gorgeous squeeze bunt to score Baker. Garrard got the win in relief in his 2nd appearance of the season.
The Flyers will visit Peterborough for a 3rd consecutive meeting this Saturday evening.
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Off to a Flying start
June 4, 2009 --
The Port Hope Flyers hosted the Whitby Canadians on Wednesday night and were looking to improve to 3-1 to start the season. An 11-batter 2nd inning was all that the Flyers needed, as they cruised to a 13-4 win.
Ryan Davis started on the hill for Port Hope and held Whitby off the board in the first 2 frames. In the bottom of the 2nd, the Flyers kicked in the doors to this game, battering Whitby's pitcher for 6 runs on 7 hits. Robert McNab led the inning off with a double. Tye Welch and Brandon Duck each had RBI singles. Newcomer Louis Beare brought a run home on a fielder's choice and Brett Jiggins knocked in 2 with a double, he came around to score on a Charlie Hall single and it was a 6-0 lead for the Flyers.
Davis ran into some trouble in the top of the 4th inning, losing his control and yielding 4 runs, to bring the Canadians to within 2. Davis started the 6th, but walked a batter and was relieved by Mike McNaught who got out of the inning unscathed.
The Flyers added 3 more runs in the 7th, as McNab, Brad Pickering and Duck all knocked in a run, to push the Flyers lead to 9-4. They added 4 more in the 8th inning and McNaught finished things off, as he threw a perfect 4 innings of relief for the save.
Beare made a nice impression in his first game, going 1/4 with an RBI and gunning a runner out at 3rd base from right field. Port Hope's next action will be Saturday and Sunday in a home and home series with Peterborough. Marc MacDonald and Mike McNaught will start those games.
Offensive Stars:
Brandon Duck: 3/4, 1 R, 3 RBI
Robert McNab: 3/4, 3 R, 2 RBI
Brett Jiggins: 2/4, 3 R, 3 RBI
Brad Pickering: 2/4, 2 R, 1 RBI
Wes Eriksson: 3/6
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Flyers split pair on the weekend
May 25, 2009 --
After winning their first game of the 2009 season, the Port Hope Flyers faced a pair of tough games this past weekend. First up was one of the top teams in the Nation, in the Oshawa Royals. Mike McNaught got the start and the Flyer bats staked him to an early 2-0 lead. The Royals battled back and after McNaught's 4 innings, the Flyers trailed 5-3. That was as close as the Flyers would get, as the bullpen struggled to keep it close, helping the Royals to a 10-3 win.
Next up for the Flyers were the vastly improved Whitby Canadians. Cory Baker got the start and struggled early on, as the wind was blowing out to right field. Baker had a tough time keeping the ball in the park in the opening frame, allowing a 3-run homer to Rob Patterson and another solo shot to Jeff Hardy in the bottom of the 1st inning.
Baker responded in the top of the 2nd with a lead-off double, Robert McNab brough him in with a sharp single to right field. McNab eventually stole 3rd and Mike Walker reached on a walk, before Wes Eriksson doubled them both in to tie the game at 3. The Canadians added another in the bottom of the 2nd to take a 4-3 lead.
Baker settled into a groove retiring the side in each of the next 3 innings. The bottom of the 6th is where that string ended, as Sean Tremaine belted a 2-run homer to right, giving Whitby a 6-3 lead after 6 innings of play. The Flyers answered right away in the 7th, as Ryan Davis led off and was hit by a pitch, Brett Jiggins followed with a double and Davis scored on a Brad Pickering fielder's choice and Baker knocked in another run with a single. Greg Bailey came through with a double, putting runners at 2nd and 3rd, as Whitby brought the infield in. Tye Welch came up with a big single past the drawn in second baseman and the Flyers had a 7-6 lead.
The Flyers offensive erruption continued in the 8th, as Eriksson and Jiggins each reached base, that is when Pickering blasted a 3-run shot to right and gave Port Hope a 10-6 lead. Baker ran into some trouble in the bottom of the 8th, but escaped without any damage and ended a brilliant start on a fantastic note. Davis came in for the 9th to shut things down and struggled with his control, allowing a run, before retiring 3 straight batters to seal a Flyers win.
In addition to pitching a solid 8 innings of 7-hit ball, Baker went 4-for-5 and was the star in the Flyers win. Port Hope improved to 2-1 with the win and will face the Canadians again on Wednesday night.
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Flyers land big win in season opener
May 21, 2009 --
The Port Hope Flyers kicked off their 2009 season with a holiday Monday matinee in Kendal and picked up where they left off in 2008, with a 10-7 win against their rivals.
Marc MacDonald got the start for the Flyers and spotted the Eagles a run in each of the first 2 innings, before turning things over to the bullpen. Wes Eriksson led off the 3rd with a walk and scored on a Brett Jiggins single, Rob McNab brought Jiggins home with an opposite field double to square things at 2.
Adam Wallace pitched well in the 3rd striking out 2. Paul Garrard came on in the 4th and fanned 2 Eagles as well, in his first action in several years. Port Hope then scored 3 in the 5th inning on string of Eagles errors, all with 2 outs to take a 5-3 lead. Greg Bailey took over on the mound for the Flyers in the bottom of the 5th and had some control problems, but held Kendal to 1 run.
Mike Walker's double led off the 6th and he scored on an Eriksson double to give the Flyers a 6-3 lead. Mike McNaught then came on in relief and pitched a dominant 2 innings, striking out 4 on his way to the win. Eriksson led off the 8th with a walk and Brad Dowler reached on an error and both scored, staking the Flyers to a 8-3 lead.
Ryan Davis made his Flyer debut in the bottom of the 8th and struggled with his control, as the Eagles narrowed the score to an 8-6 margin. The visitors answered back with 2 more in the top of the 9th and the Eagles added 1 in the bottom of the frame, but could get no closer.
Port Hope's next action will be Friday night when they visit the Oshawa Royals. Mike McNaught will make the start.
Offensive Stars:
Wes Eriksson: 2/3, 3 BB, 2 R, 1 RBI
Cory Baker: 3/5, 1 R, 1 RBI
Brett Jiggins: 3/6, 2 R, 1 RBI
Mike Walker: 2/4, 2 R, 1 RBI
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Flyers open season in Kendal
May 17, 2009 --
After savouring their All-Ontario championship during the winter, it is time to get back to work for the Port Hope Flyers, as the 2009 season is about to get underway. The first opponent for the Flyers will be their top rival, the Kendal Eagles. These teams will see more of each other than ever before, as a result of some changes in the EOBA.
The Markham Pioneers and Thornhill Reds have departed for the GTBL and the Ajax Spartans have folded, leaving the Eagles, Kingston Ponies, Oshawa Royals and the much improved Whitby Canadians as the senior representatives. The Peterborough Junior club will also participate in the 2009 season.
The 2008 season couldn't have ended any better for the Flyers, as they got contributions from every single member of the team on their way to the C championship. Even more impressive was that they went 6-1, while using only 3 pitchers. However,the Flyers will have an improved staff in 2009. Making their returns to the club will be Paul Garrard, Greg Bailey and Ryan Markle. Also, Ryan Davis will be a new addition to the staff that already includeds Cory Baker, Mike McNaught, Marc MacDonald and Adam Wallace.
Some familiar faces will return in the field as well, as Brad Pickering and Sean Young should be counted on to very productive and to add more depth to the Flyers. The outlook for 2009 seems very positive for a team that raised its profile in the EOBA in 2008.
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Port Hope Senior Flyers
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