The Great Lakes Thundercats baseball club, along with 11 other teams from Michigan and Indiana, completed in the 14 and Under Division of the USSSA Octoberfest Qualifier recently.
The ‘Cats were the top 13-year-old finishers last year in the same event and wanted to defend their title. Playing in 38-degree temperature, both teams’ bats were cold until the third inning when the ThunderCats heated up in a hurry, putting nine runs on the board.
The explosion was sparked by offense from Billy Cribbs, Kolden Buehler, Tyrel Taylor and Brian Robinson. Josh Deeg pitched a complete game, a one- hit-shut-out, and at one point, struck out five in a row. The ‘Cats cruised to a 9-0 win.
In game two, the ThunderCats faced the potent pitching staff of the Michigan Muddogs (formerly the Rochester Rangers). The bats came to life quick, with the team scoring two runs early. Mike Wood, Phillips and Brandon Riggsbee flexed their batting muscle.
With his curveball biting, Buehler, the ‘Cats’ ace, pitched a gem, holding the ‘Dogs mighty offense to only two runs in the 6-2 victory. Defensively, Deeg at catcher threw out three would-be base stealers and picked off a ‘Dog leading too far off second base.
The third game featured starter Chris Lum and another premier pitching performance. Lum pitched a complete game shut out of the Buffalo Baseball Club from Indiana.
Offensive contributors were Matt LaMothe, David Pardun and Taylor. Trey Larocque, side-lined by injury, had multiple scores and stolen bases as a pinch runner during the tournament.
The ThunderCats were positioned the number one qualifier going into the championship round, having scored 24 while only giving up two, in the first three games. In the semi-final, the ‘Cats faced the number-four qualifying Michigan Greyhounds.
The visitor ‘Cats got on the scoreboard early, scoring two runs in the first, only to have the ‘Hounds come back with five. The Greyhounds added to their cushion, eventually working to a comfortable nine-run lead, 11-2. Buehler, with limited rest, came in to end the tough inning.
With a few runs each inning and spectacular defense, the ‘Cats stayed off elmination because of time limit and the mercy rule. Andy Harrison came