A chance at redemption was there for Penticton White Kennedy Thunder baseball team during mosquito provincial action against Ladysmith.
After losing 13-12 during round robin action, Penticton rebounded to play their best game of the tournament and claimed the bronze medal thanks to a 15-12 score.
The combination of solid hitting and great defence helped Penticton win. Isaac Halverson earned most valuable player honours after he made a diving catch to preserve the win in the bottom of the sixth.
“It’s awesome for a team that was put together one month before provincials, and that included seven second-year players, six first-year and one under-aged player,” said coach Tony Orioli. “The skill development of the boys improved so much every practice and game. They are to be congratulated and have learned that if you continue to work hard in practice, the results will come.”
Penticton faced Burnaby for a chance to play for the provincial championship, but they lost 16-8. The scored was tied after four innings, however, Penticton’s bats went silent and it was the opposite for Burnaby. Kevin Zoeller, the game MVP, kept the game close.
Penticton went 3-1 during the round robin to place second in their pool. They started by defeating Vancouver 13-11. Game MVP was Cole Boczulak, who pitched a solid game. Then in a loss to Ladysmith, Brayden Kuroda was the MVP. They then doubled up Prince George for a 16-8 win, (game MVP was Seth Kennedy) and defeated Ladner, 14-11 in their final game to advance to the playoffs. Tate Larsen was the MVP of that game.
The Thunder consists of Aiden Samuel, AJ Reiter, Ethan Konno, Seth Kennedy, Isaac Halverson, Matt Olsen, Tate Larson, Kevin Zoeller, Cole Boczulak, Adrian Orioli, Brett Conquergood, Brayden Kuroda and Zack Wilson. The coaching staff consists of Orioli, assistant coaches Steve Boczulak and Al Wilson and pitching coach Grant Konno.