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Tigers play well but remain on losing end

The SOMBA Tigers lost twice to the Chilliwack Cougars in under-18 midget 3A B.C. Minor baseball
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TYLER LEMKE of the SOMBA Tigers had a hot bat in the under-18 all-star game hitting a double and triple in the same inning. Lemke and the Tigers are in action this weekend at home against Kamloops and Cloverdale.

The South Okanagan Minor Baseball Association midget Tigers bowed to the Chilliwack Cougars 10-0 and 13-3 in B.C. under-18 league play in their first games after a month off.

Now 7-18, Tigers coach Junior Deleon said his team showed up to play last weekend.

“We were in both games for the most part. In the first game, we had one bad inning that demoralized the boys,” said Deleon.

After a call didn’t go in the Tigers’ favour at first base that would have ended the inning, the Cougars scored four runs.

On the mound, Brad Fleming threw well enough for a victory, but the Tigers just couldn’t muster any offence.

“In the first game we just made too many mistakes on the bases,” said Deleon, who saw continued growth from his players.

Austin Groot pitched well in the second game, limiting the Cougars offence in four innings.

This weekend the Tigers host Kamloops on Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. at Carmi Field, then on Sunday the Tigers take on Cloverdale at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. also at Carmi Field.

In other team news, the Tigers had Tyler Lemke, Taylor Kanke, Ryan Konno and Matthew Jones play in the U18 all-star game earlier this month with Team Island-Interior against Team Mainland. The game finished in a 9-9 tie. Lemke hit a double and triple in one inning. He also struck out four batters, while Kanke struck out three.

Kanke and Connor Graham made a B.C. minor baseball under-16 selects team that traveled to San Francisco for a tournament July 2-6.

“It was really interesting. A lot of new things that I learned at the camp,” said Kanke, who picked up tips to improve hitting, batting and fielding mechanics. I learned a lot about baseball.”

The experience helped Kanke’s confidence.

“I feel I pitched pretty well,” he said. “Better than I have pitched this year.”

Also, Lemke, Kanke and Jones have been invited to Top 40 camp for a chance to represent Team B.C. at the midget national championship.

B.C. Summer Games

Brayden Jones will be playing for the Thompson-Okanagan Zone 2 team in Nanaimo July 17-20. Jones is one of 16 players who made the cut from 55. The pitcher/outfielder/first basemen is excited about being selected to play with and against other skilled players.

“It’s just going to be a good time,” said Jones. “Have fun down there and play some good teams.”