It was a warm Friday affair as the U13 Guelph Gators kicked off the Gators Classic at the Guelph Lake Sports Fields. The year saw the return of the Gators Classic after an absence of a decade or more.
Gators Breeze past Halton to take the Gators Classic Opener
Fresh from an appearance at the All-Star Game, Taylor C. drove in six runs on three hits to lead Gators past Halton Hawks U13 Black 19-5, hitting a home run to center field in the second scoring three, a single in the fifth scoring two, and another single in the third scoring one.
The Gators scored five runs on two hits in the top of the second inning. Taylor homered to center field, scoring three runs, Morgan singled, scoring one run, and a wild pitch scored one run.
Taylor pitched three innings in relief for Guelph. The reliever gave up two hits and five runs (two earned) while striking out eight and walking two. Morgan P. led things off in the circle for the Gators. The right-handed pitcher surrendered one hit and zero runs over two innings, striking out five and walking none.
Guelph collected eight hits in the game. Morgan collected two hits for Guelph in three plate appearances. The home team had a strong eye at the plate, piling up 19 walks for the game. Ellie M., Lailan T., and Rileigh T. led the team with three walks each. Ellie and Morgan each stole multiple bases for Guelph, who ran wild, accumulating eight stolen bases for the game.
GUELPH GATORS U13 WIN BIG OVER LONDON BLUE U13
The Guelph Gators continued their hot streak at the met the London Lighting Blue U13s on Saturday, their second game of the Gators’ Classic, taking the contest 12-1.
Guelph jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the second inning after Piper H. doubled, then reached third on an error, scoring one run. Elyse D. singled, scoring two runs, Elyse scored after tagging up, and Ellie M. singled, scoring one run.
Guelph scored five runs on one hit in the bottom of the third inning. Johanna A., returning from a few days off ill, drew a walk, scoring one run. Lailan T. grounded out but got the RBI while Makayla C. was hit by a pitch, driving in a run. Rileigh T. homered to center field, scoring three runs.
Morgan P. stepped on to the mound first for Guelph. The righty allowed zero hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out nine and walking none.
Guelph ran wild on the base paths, amassing seven stolen bases for the game.
GUELPH DOUBLES UP AMHERST IN THE DRIVING RAIN
All eyes were on Diamond 6 as the Gators took on the Amherst Lighting, the only American team in the tournament
It was a big day at the plate for Rileigh T. who was responsible for the majority to Guelph’s runs. The righty hit two home runs and drove in six as Guelph defeated Amherst Lightning Johnson 12u 12U 8-4. Rileigh homered in the first and sixth innings.
Morgan P. struck out 11 batters on the day. She also gave up two hits and three runs over four innings while walking three.
The Gators got on the board in the first inning after Rileigh homered to center field, scoring two runs. Her sixth inning plate appearance saw Rileigh hit a grand slam to center field for Guelph, despite the driving rain.
Ellie M. and Rileigh each collected two hits for the Gators. Ellie stole two bases in the game.
AMHERST TAKES GOLD AT THE GATORS CLASSIC
Pumped from their win the previous day, the Guelph Gators were eagerly awaiting to find out who they would play. But first Amherst would have to play Brampton to determine who they would play for gold.
With Amherst the eventual winner, the Gators took the field, determined to take gold for the first time this year. Alas, it was not to be.
A disciplined Lightning team corrected their on-field mistakes from the previous day and played smart ball.
Amherst were the first to get on the board in the opening frame when Laila G. doubled, scoring one run.
Gators’ Ellie M. tripled, in the bottom of the first, tying the game, but that was as close as the Guelph squad would get.
A single by Samantha M. gave Amherst the lead, 3-1, in the top of the third.
The Lightning scored seven runs on four hits in the top of the sixth inning, taking full advantage of Guelph miscues in the field.
Morgan P. started in the circle for Guelph, surrendered five hits and three runs over three innings, striking out eight and walking two.
Taylor C. led Guelph with two hits in two at bats. Johanna A. contributed with two RBIs. going 1-for-3 on the day. Kaycea W. and Taylor each stole multiple bases for the Gators.
In all, Amherst amassed 10 hits in the game. The team had patience at the plate, accumulating six walks for the game.
Guelph coach Alex Snyder praised the Lightning’s discipline in earning the win, while commending both teams for the camaraderie they showed both on and off the diamond.
“Playing with emotion is great but playing with emotion and intelligence is hard, particularly when things aren’t going well for you or your team,” he said. “In both games that these teams played, they
each had to find a way to keep going forward even when the run differentials made it difficult. That’s why we play.”
Guelph Minor Softball Association commissioner Ken Winslow honoured both teams for their perseverance and grit, especially in less-than-ideal conditions. He awarded silver to Guelph and gold to Amherst.
“Full credit to our new friends from over the river,” he added. “It was a pleasure seeing them here and I hope our paths cross again some day.”