Back at nationals

Ellsworth gets a hit as Nova Scotia wins twice at senior men’s championship

Alberton’s Jeff Ellsworth had a single Wednesday as Nova Scotia’s entry opened the Canadian senior men’s fast pitch championship with two wins. The East Hants Shooters Bar and Grill Mastodons defeated Bulyea Rustlers 5-2 and the NB Petro Hawks 8-1 in six innings in Saskatoon, Sask. The Rustlers and Hawks are two of the six Saskatchewan squads in the 12-team tournament.

It was Ellsworth’s first senior games since 2015. The former Team Canada co-captain played the outfield and was the designated player. Donnelly Archibald was 1-for-2 with a three-run home run in the fifth and four RBI to pace the Mastodons against the Rustlers. Justin Schofield allowed one earned run while striking out nine in the victory.

Nova Scotia led 2-1 after the first inning and the game was tied 2-2 through four innings.

It was Ellsworth’s first senior level game since 2015. The former co-captain of Team Canada is the lone Islander playing in the championship.

The Mastodons broke open a 2-1 game with three runs in each of the fifth and sixth innings to defeat the Hawks. Archibald drove in two more runs in the second game while Nick Shailes was 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs. Archibald allowed a run on three hits in four innings of work for the victory.

Nova Scotia plays the defending champs from Newfoundland and Labrador today at 3 p.m. Atlantic and Bruno Merchants from Saskatchewan at 6:15 p.m.