SASKATOON — Devon McCullough pitched in relief while Derek Arsenie drove in four runs as the Angels of the host city cruised to a shutout win over the MB Peguis Redmen in 2021 Rawlings Grand Slam Softball Championship Thursday at the Gordie Howe Sports Complex.
The win was the third in as many games for the Angels, propelling them to the top of the Gene McWillie Pool. It was the second straight loss for the Redmen after opening the tournament with a 7-4 decision over the Irma Tigers.
McCullough relieved Nick Patrick in the bottom of the second and was only tagged with one hit, a single to Redmen starting pitcher Jeff Thomas in the fourth, while striking out 13 and walking one (Bryn Redhead). Tyler Woodhose was the other Redmen that got on base on an error and moved to second on a wild pitch.
Thomas was tagged with the loss giving up six runs, five earned, on five hits with five strikeouts and six walks to earn the loss. Redhead tossed two innings in relief allowing one earned run on three this with a strikeout and a walk.
Bradley Ezekiel led off with a single to start the Angels’ offence and moved to scoring position after Thomas gave up back-to-back walks to McCullough and Jason Hill. Justin Laskowski grounded out to bring in Ezekiel while an Arsenie single drove in McCullough and Hill.
Arsenie went 2-for-4 with four RBIs while Taylor Barber batted 2-for-2 as the Angels collected eight hits. The Redmen combined for 1-for-19 at the plate with Thomas going 1-for-3.
The Bear Creek Express, after an opening day loss to the Angels, clinched their second straight win after an 11-1 victory over the PG Kings of B.C., who are still winless after three matches.
The B.C. Sooke Loggers, meanwhile, lead the Rob Guenter Pool after completing a 6-1 triumph against previously undefeated Ontario Nith River Monsters. The Loggers lead the Rob Guenter Pool with a 3-0 card followed by the Monsters’ 2-1 record.
Scott Lieph threw a complete game no-hitter for the Loggers allowing one earned run, to Corey Way in the top of the second, while retiring 13 and walking three. Kyle Kowick homered and a double in three plate appearances with two RBIs.
The Regina Golden Hawks edged the MB Team Bigman, 4-3, for their first win after three matches while keeping their opponents winless in as many games. Dustin Keshane almost pitched a complete game allowing two hits and one run, earned, with eight strikeouts.
Bryan Newton pitched six innings and gave up four runs, two earned, on eight hits with 14 strikeouts and one walk.
Games in the U23 division had the Saskatoon Diamondbacks blanking the Redmen, 8-0, while the Owen Sound Selects thrashed the Pimicikamak Thunder, 9-1. The Tavistock Merchants drubbed Team AB, 4-1, in the other match.
