The 100 Mile ‘N’ Hour Squirts rep fastball team started its season with a bang, playing at the Richmond May Mayhem tournament, May 24-26.
It's known as the largest boys' fastball tournament in British Columbia and competition was stiff, says coach Cale Tessaro.
There were no wins for the South Cariboo squad, but Tessaro says he's proud of his team, which includes seven first-year rep players.
"With it being their first games of the season and being in a big city, they played very well. We played against teams that have played 10-15 games already."
The tournament opener for Mile ‘N’ Hour was against Fleetwood during which Tanner Hooper delivered strong pitching and Hayden Prodnuk hit a three-run homer to pick up the MVP award. The game ended in a 10-7 decision for Fleetwood.
Surrey proved to be a formidable opponent in game 2, during which the southern team took the game 18-4. Marshall Tessaro was named MVP.
Mile ‘N’ Hour went toe-to-toe with Richmond in game 3, dishing out everything it had, but having to settle for an 18-9 loss. Dallas Quintal was awarded the MVP for his strong fielding and pitching.
The final game on Sunday against Cloverdale saw Levi McQueen hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning, which briefly brought his team to within one run of a tie, but Cloverdale pulled ahead to finish the game 15-6 in its favour.
Next, the squad travelled to Williams Lake for a tournament on June 2, and it came out with a four-game sweep and the overall victory.
Hooper and Brayden Glen were strong on the pitcher's mound and also hit home runs, along with Prodnuk.
"It was a big confidence-booster for the squad to win this weekend," says coach Tessaro.