A strong team effort helped the Penticton/OK Falls Gold Star Fencing Rockies win the mosquito division championship.
After defeating the Summerland Chiefs 8-6 in the Penticton Minor Baseball semifinal on Tuesday, the Rockies continued their winning ways against the Penticton Triple O Expos 7-6 Wednesday.
Adrian Orioli and Isaac Halverson teamed up to give the Rockies great pitching. At the plate, Nate Kaminski and Ethan Poole went 2-for-2. Halverson scored the winning run as he was able to steal home on a passed ball in the top of the fifth.
āThey focused and thatās tough with this age group (9 to 10 year olds),ā said Rockies coach Tony Orioli. āThey knew it was the final so it was a big thing to them.ā
Orioli said his players knew what to do with the ball and paid more attention before it was hit. From the start of the season to Wendesdayās finale, Orioli said the playersā game sense grew.
āA lot of these guys have never played mosquito before,ā he said. āJust learning the game.ā
He added that the two teams enjoyed, close games all season. The Expos had a great season with their only losses coming against the Rockies.
āItās just fun,ā he said. āThe kids had fun and theyāre rolling around in the dirt. Thatās all it is. Tomorrow, they wonāt even remember whether they win or lose.ā
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