Collins Thunder ends the season with a victory

After another successful tournament showing in Lewiston, despite close losses to Greece and North Buffalo, the Collins Thunder (sponsored by Markham-Bixby and Thirsty’s) had one last chance versus the team from Arcade to finish the season with a victory.

The first game was again close throughout as Jordan Cooper pitched a complete game despite losing 7-5. Cooper scattered seven hits, but managed to keep his team in it with timely strikeouts (six in all) and key defensive plays by Alex Emery and Derek Bush. Unfortunately, Pioneer broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth with five runs to take a 7-2 lead, but Collins would answer with three runs of their own to cut the deficit to 7-5.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the final inning, a weak fly-out ended the comeback and the game.

Overall, the offense stranded 12 runners in the loss; Ryan Mammoser did his part going 2 for 3 and scoring two runs. Cole Smith also scored two runs along with Gavin Kennedy to round out the scoring.

Game two proved to be equally as competitive, as both teams again went back and forth throughout only to have the Collins Thunder score a 9-7 victory in their final games of the season.

Cole Smith pitched a complete game, striking out six while yielding seven hits and seven runs. Jordan Cooper paced the offense, scoring three runs and collection a pair of hits, while Dylon Mercado also had two hits and four RBI. Les Young also had a multi-hit game, along with Ryan Mammoser, Sean Dils (two runs) and Alex Emery’s doubles; the Collins Thunder team would go on to win the night cap if the double header. Gavin Kennedy, Trevor Mercado and Derek Bush all played well defensively to key the victory.

The Collins Thunder finishes its 22-game 2012 season with high hopes of competing in 2013 with possible tournament destinations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and locally as well.

The team is grateful to Markham-Bixby, Thirsty’s, the Brian Gernatt family, the Collins Correctional officers responsible for taking care of the field, and the parents for their support.

Collins Thunder baseball will return in 2013 for 15u and possibly 13u, so those serious about baseball and who are willing to play for full schedule of great games, please contact Jeff Johnson to get things started. Fall baseball is still an option for 14u players starting at the end of August, so again, if interested contact Johnson.