Innerkip, ON
June 17-19, 2005
The Niagara Snappers (ISC II #8 ) rolled down the 403 to Innerkip and competed in the ISC II Qualifier of Eastern Canada. The goal going in was
to win the event and earn a birth to the ISC II Tournament of Champions being held Aug 14-19 in Eau Claire Wisconsin. That objective was met.
Game #1
Niagara Snapper – 7
Ingersoll Masters – 0
WP: Dan Dumeo – 12K’s – PERFECT GAME
LP: Mike Wells
The Snappers came out of the gates blazing with a decisive 7-0 win over the Ingersoll Masters. This game was never in doubt as Niagara starter, Dan Dumeo was simply untouchable. Duemo recorded the first every perfect game in the seven year history of the Niagara Snappers as he struck out 12 along the way. Pacing the offence was Pete Dobbin – 2 for 3 with 2 RBI’s, Perry Bartley – 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and Kevin Newhouse – 1 for 3, with a HR and 2 RBI’s.
Photo by Joe Todd
Game # 2
Niagara Snappers – 8
Highgate Rock – 0
WP: Byron Demoe – 5K’s
LP: Jeremy Osborne
In game two, the Snappers locked horns with the always tough Highgate Rock. Byron Demoe took the ball for the Snappers and was on his game as he surrendered only 3 hits over 6 innings of work. The Snappers bats were on again, as they rolled to a decisive 9-0 win. This game featured the return of catcher and team captain, Trevor Falk. Falk is still nursing a knee injury and was not able to get behind the plate but he was able to step up to it. In his first at bat since May 14, Falk launched a HR just inside the LF foul pole that was still going up as it left the park. Pete Dobbin continued to carry the hot stick going 2 for 3, with 2 runs scored. Jarrod Burtt went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored and Scott Young was 2 for 3 with 1 RBI.
Game # 3
Niagara Snappers – 7
Norwich Razorbacks – 3
WP: Dan Duemo – 11K’s
LP: Todd Winkworth
With a 2-0 record the Snappers were up against the Norwich Razorbacks (ISC II # 4). The Snappers grabbed the lead early and extended it to 4-0 only to see the stubborn Razorbacks cut the lead to 4-2 after 5 innings. Niagara would add 3 more runs in the 6th to cruise to the 7-3 win. Trevor Falk appeared in this game as a pinch hitter and did it again. Another pinch hit 2 run HR in only his second at bat since returning from a knee injury was a key moment in the game. Leading the Snapper attack was Kevin Newhouse going 3 for 3 with 3 runs scored, Alex Szockyj was 2 for 2 with 2 RBI’s and Todd Dawdy was 2 for 4 with 1 RBI.
Game # 4 (undefeated game) – 8 innings
Niagara Snappers – 8
Palermo Athletics – 3
WP: Byron Demoe – 7K’s
LP: Chris McColl – in relief of Gord Scott
This game was much closer than the score would indicate. The A’s (ISC II # 6) held a 1-0 lead all the way to the 7th as Gord Scott was putting up
nothing but zeros. With 2 outs, Trevor Falk made his 3rd pinch hit appearance of the weekend and promptly banged out a double off Scott. Dean
Carr came on to pinch hit and with 2 strikes he hit a clutch single up the middle to cash the equalizer and send the game to extra innings. The
international tie breaker would start up in the 8th and that seemed to wake up the Niagara bats as they proceeded to bang out 7 runs in the 8th which was highlighted by a Jim Wilson grand slam. Perry Bartley went 2 for 4 and Todd Dawdy was 1 for 4 with 2 RBI’s.
Game # 5 – Final – Snappers have to be beaten twice
Palermo Athletics – 2
Niagara Snappers – 0
WP: Gord Scott
LP: Dan Duemo
The Snappers came out flat and A’s starter, Gordy Scott was clearly in a grove. He kept the Niagara sticks off balance the entire game. Niagara
starter, Dan Duemo was very good as well but got zero help from the Snapper offence in this one. Pete Dobbin and Jarrod Burtt both went 2 for 3 in the losing effort.
Game # 6 – Final – “IF GAME”
Niagara Snappers – 9
Palermo Athletics – 3
WP: Byron Demoe – 7 K’s
LP: Gord Scott – Chris McColl in relief in the 1st.
Gordy Scott’s magic was over. He was attempting to start his 3rd game of the day and the 3rd game vs. the Snappers on the weekend. He pretty much shut down the Snapper offence for the majority of the weekend but this game was different. The Snapper bats exploded in the top of the first inning. Niagara would send all 9 to the plate during this inning which resulted in 5 runs being pushed across the plate. Palermo, to their credit never gave up and clawed back with 3 runs in the 3rd to trim the lead to 5-3. On this day, the Snappers would just not be denied. Niagara increased the lead with a run in the 3rd and 3 more in the 5th for the mercy shortened win. Trevor Falk got the start in LF and continued to carry a hot stick as he belted a 2 run HR in the first inning. Kevin Newhouse went 2 for 3 with a HR and 3 runs scored. Perry Bartley went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI’s and Scott Young went 2 for 3. Byron Demoe grabbed his third win of the weekend recording 7 K’s over the 5 innings.
The Niagara Snappers have secured a berth to the ISC II Tournament of Champions and look forward to the challenge.
Some weekend notes:
Niagara Team Captain, Trevor Falk made his first appearance in uniform since injuring a knee on May 14. He is still unable to assume his role as
Catcher, but his stick sure seemed to boost the morale of the club. Trevor went 4 for 6 on the weekend with 3 HR’s and 1 double. Not bad! Niagara’s lead off hitter and 3rd bagger, Pete Dobbin was on fire all weekend, setting the table for the Snapper offence time and time again.
On behalf of the entire Niagara team, we would like to congratulate the Palermo Athletics for a great weekend of ball and their second place
finish. We would also like to thank the ISC and all the folks in Innerkip who assisted in putting on this great event. You have once again proven
yourselves as fine hosts and we look forward to our next visit to Innerkip. It is just a great place to play and watch ball.
Niagara Snappers Fastball Club….Good Guys!…Great Game!
Perry Bartley
Niagara Snappers
misterpaulo@hotmail.com
