Ken Johnston
After running one hour late on Sunday, the annual Rainy River Labour Day fastball tournament ended up finishing early when one team had to opt out of the “B” finals.
It was a similar situation to last year’s tournament. Pitcher John Desaulniers had to leave due to family commitments and could not play the final game. His team, The Old Timers, featuring many players that have not played in many years, had to default, handing the Barwick Blue Knights the “B” Championship.
That set the stage for the “A” event to start much earlier than originally anticipated. Facing off against each other were two Rainy River District Fastball League rivals, the Big Grassy Lightning and the Sight & Sound Wolves (Fort Frances).
After two innings of play, the Wolves were ahead 3-0 with solid pitching from Bob Andy backing them up.
After a scoreless third inning, the Wolves Nick Ashworth stole home after a wild pitch by Lightning hurler Jeff Morrison.
It looked like the Wolves had the game in the bag after another scoreless inning in the 5th and time running out for Big Grassy. Then in the top of the sixth Lightning struck, not once, not twice but three times! They were now down 4-3 and held the Wolves scoreless in the bottom of the inning.
In the top of the seventh, the Lightning bolted around the bases to tie it and then take a commanding lead.
Brian Hook started things off with a triple. A sacrifice fly scored him.
Ryan Jack then hit a single and was brought in when Bill Copenace hit an infield home run to right field.
Pitcher Jeff Morrison then pegged a double off his rival Bob Andy and was brought in by Bob Copenace to round out the inning 8-4.
The Wolves could not get anything off the thunderstruck arm of Jeff Morrison who retired the side to claim the victory from the Wolves who recently defeated the Lightning to win the league championship. The Lightning received $900 and bragging rights for the next year after rallying to win the RR tourney.
After Day 1 play, the home town team, Rainy River, was 1-0 having beat Barwick and losing to Big Grassy. However, Rainy River was knocked out of the playoffs early on Sunday losing to the Wolves.
