Rivers Comets update - Aug 26, 2015

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By Justin Froese

Submitted Article

What a busy week it’s been for Rivers Comets! We played the first three games of our league final against Canadian Tire Cardinals and we also hosted our second annual fundraiser softball tournament.

Game 1 took place on Tuesday, Aug. 18; Comet drew first blood with an 8-2 win. Ryan Shaw, backed by solid defence, cruised for seven innings on the hill. Shaw allowed 10 hits and struck out five in the game. Layne Anderson and Dana McNish each had two hits, two RBIs and one scored run. Mike McFadden and Ian Barr also added two hits apiece and cashed in a pair. 

In Game 2 of the series on Thursday, Aug. 20, Comets got a taste of their own medicine and dropped to the Cardinals in a sloppy 14-7 loss.  McNish took the loss, allowing seven runs over three innings pitched. Ian Barr went three-for-five with two stolen bases and Justin Froese went two-for-four with a run scored.

In the pivotal Game 3, Comets made up ground after a rough start, but ultimately couldn’t overcome the Cardinals as they pulled away late in a 9-5 loss. Shaw started for the Comets and allowed all nine runs (six earned) in six innings of work. Shaw struck out seven and allowed 11 hits. Froese went two-for-three with a run and an RBI. Alastair McFadden also doubled in two runs during a fourth inning charge that yielded all five runs. The loss was the Comets’ second straight so they now trail the series 2-1. 

Game 4 is a must win for the Comets, who look to extend their series to the maximum fifth game. Game 4 took place Tuesday, Aug. 25. Stay tuned to next week’s column to learn the details of this game, which Comets lost 10-3.

Away from the heat of the playoff series, Comets hosted its fundraiser softball tournament on Aug. 21 and 22 at Rivers fairgrounds; 10 teams were entered and hoped to capture softball supremacy. Mother Nature had other plans — Comets were forced to get creative with the scheduling due to heavy rains which forced lengthy rain delays. Once all was said and done, Brad Roth’s team from Brandon area defeated the Rivers-based Cassandra Vickery team in the final. Comets experienced high attendance numbers and although some on-fly changes were required, the event was very successful in helping the team raise funds for their diamond. 

One unique feature of this year’s tournament was the “beard bounty” as Comets player Alastair McFadden put his luscious locks on the chopping block to be sheared by the highest bidder. It was brought up the evening before by some people and we ran with it. If we had the idea earlier and built anticipation we could have raised more, although we did very well for such a small window. Todd Gill contributed $500 dollars to the cause and took the first few swipes out of McFadden’s chin curtain. In total Comets raised $800 to shave McFadden’s hair — a unique and highly successful endeavour! Comets really appreciate the individuals who contributed and stuck with us through the frustrating weather on the weekend. 

For more information on current Comets activity you can find us online on our Facebook page, Rivers Comets Baseball Club and on Twitter, @riverscomets.