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.
“They focused and that’s tough with this age group (9 to 10 year olds),” said Rockies coach Tony Orioli. “They knew it was the final so it was a big thing to them.”
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 Wendesday’s finale, Orioli said the players’ game sense grew.
“A lot of these guys have never played mosquito before,” he said. “Just learning the game.”
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.
“It’s just fun,” he said. “The kids had fun and they’re rolling around in the dirt. That’s all it is. Tomorrow, they won’t even remember whether they win or lose.”
