Late rally leads Zone 4 over Zone 3 in HRD Bat Co. NRHSAA All-Star Game
ST. CATHARINES, ON - Monday afternoon at George Taylor Field the NRHSAA hosted the 2022 Baseball All-Star Game sponsored by HRD Bat Co.
Zone 4 trailed 3-0 going into the bottom of the fourth. They rallied with one in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the final half inning to come out on top by the score of 4-3.
HRD Bat Co. Most Valuable Player went to John Gignac (Greater Fort Erie - Grade 10) who pitched three shutout innings allowing no hits with four strikeouts while retiring all nine batters he faced.
"I thought the team chemistry was good, as if we played together all year," said John Gignac. "This made it easier for me, allowing me to trust my defense and just pitch. It was a great opportunity and lots of fun. My teammates made it such a great experience."
Greater Fort Erie Coach Jim Harshaw on John's MVP performance
"It wasn't initially the plan to start John as we had him scheduled to enter the game in the third inning. However, due to a favourable circumstance we needed a starter and as I saw all year, John wanted the ball. Being younger and facing some older bats I wasn't sure what to expect and what came next was so memorable. Pitching three perfect innings, with 4 K's. I could not be happier for John."
HRD Bat Co. Players of the Game were Jax Arcuri (Jean de Brebeuf - Grade 11) and Cade Falardeau (Centennial - Grade 12), who has committed to play baseball at the University of British Columbia.
Arcuri went 1-for-2 with a run scored, including the game winning, and a stolen base. He was also solid behind the plate throwing out a runner at second.
Falardeau went 1-for-2 with a walk run scored and stolen base. He also pitched 1 2/3 innings striking out two.
Other hits for Zone 4 went to Jacob Reynan (Governor Simcoe - Grade 12) with a double to left and Dylan Rush (Sir Winston Churchill - Grade 12) with a single.
For Zone 3, Rowan Topp (EL Crossley - Grade 10) belted a double while Hayden Cupola (Centennial - Grade 11), Chase Munn (Greater Fort Erie - Grade 10) and Jayden Thompson (EL Crossley - Grade 9) all added singles.