86’ers win third straight men’s fastball title

Chris Cleg
South Peace News

The Grouard 86’ers won their third straight High Prairie Men’s Fastball League championship Sept. 5 by sweeping aside the Whitefish Lake Hawks 8-0. In winning the title, the 86’ers recorded back-to-back shutouts in the final two games. Grouard’s coach, Ralph Courtoreille, says the overall strength and balance of his club was the key to the win. “I think it was a total team effort,” he says. “Everyone was supposed to be doing what they were doing. Hitting, pitching defense, everything.” Courtoreille’s point is well taken, especially in the final two games. The Hawks did have chances but failed to execute bunts or get the big hits. The 86’ers executed several bunts, advanced runners and got timely hitting. “I think our experience in big games really showed,” says Courtoreille. After a heart-breaking 2-0 loss in Game 2, the Hawks returned home hoping to rally and make the series interesting. The first inning proved to be an omen of things to come, however, as the Hawks surrendered an unearned run. Rollie Gladue led off the game with a single, advanced to second on a pass ball and scored on an error. In their half of the first inning, the Hawks failed to score given an excellent chance. Casey Gaudette led off with a single before Matt Auger reached base on a fielder’s choice sending Gaudette to second. Josh Auger then attempted to bunt but popped out causing Matt Auger to be doubled off first. It was symbolic of the troubles and misfortune the Hawks’ offence was having. After that, the pitchers took over. Burton Auger did not allow another hit to the 86’ers until the fifth inning while Jesse Smith was shutting out the Hawks’ batters. The 86’ers finally started hitting Burton Auger in the fifth. Smith, Ian Giroux and Rollie Gladue singled to load the bases with one out. Randy Courtoreille then drew a walk forcing in a run. Peter Keay’s RBI dribbler scored another run before Jon Giroux clubbed a double to right-centre scoring three more runs. Jon Giroux would eventually score on a wild pitch. The 86’ers added another run in the seventh. Randy Courtoreille reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second, + went to third on a pass ball and scored on an error. The 86’ers outhit the Hawks 6-4 in the contest and left only three men on base compared to six for the Hawks. Each team committed two errors. Smith pitched the complete game victory giving up only four hits. He struck out nine and walked only one. Burton Auger took the tough-luck loss giving up eight runs, five earned, on six hits. He struck out six and walked three. He also hit one batter.

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