Homers sink hosts

Host team 0-2 after opening day at under-18 nationals

The long ball was in play during P.E.I.’s evening game against Ontario Three, but it wasn’t to the Islanders’ advantage.

The Caledonia Haldimond Athletics scored single runs in each of the first three innings – all on homers – en route to a 7-3 win over the host team at the Canadian under-18 male fastpitch championship in O’Leary.

The 12-team tournament started Wednesday.

P.E.I. lost 3-2 to another Ontario team, the Napanee Selects, in its tournament opener. Dawson Sellick from the host team got in on the action, cracking a home run of his own in the second inning. Sellick and Nicholas Havenga both scored for P.E.I. in the top of the seventh, after the Athletics had opened up a 7-1 lead with three runs in the fifth and one more in the sixth.

Brad Adshead batted 2-for-3, with two runs scored, a home run and one RBI to lead the Athletics at the plate. Ben Kinchinko and pitcher Nick Ford both hit 2-for-3. Kinchinko and Avery Hartwick (2-for-4) had the other homers for the Athletics.

Ford earned the pitching win, throwing a complete game and allowing five hits. He struck out 11 and walked none.

P.E.I. starter Dylan Noonan lasted 4 2/3 innings. He gave up three runs on five hits while walking one and striking out two. Marshall Kulich finished the game, allowing four runs on five hits. He had a strikeout and two walks.

It was Noonan’s first-ever start as a softball pitcher. “We’re pleased with it and he’s pleased,” said his coach and father, Steve Noonan.