Aug 15, 2021 | Trevor Russwurm | 610 views
Templeman, Priestap Lead 15U OBA Astros To Next Round in Provincial Championships
Backed by strong starting pitching performances by Caleb Templeman and Keegan Priestap, the Mitchell 15U OBA Astros swept an Aug 14th double-header against Exeter and Beamsville to advance to the next round in OBA 15U 'D' Provincials.
In the 10am opening game, starter Templeman threw 5 2/3 innings, giving up 0 unearned runs. Exeter would plate two runs in the opening frame on two walks and a 2-run double by Nate Coward, but Templeman would shut the door the rest of the way. Brennan Ward relieved in the 5th inning as Templeman had reached his daily pitch count limit, giving up zero hits with three strikeouts to close out the 12-2 win.
Offensively, Kellen Russwurm led at the plate reaching base in all four at-bats with a walk, 2-run triple, double, and single. Charlie Geiger stroked a 2-run double in the fifth inning to add insurance runs. Also reaching base safely in each at-bat were Jarrett Van Bakel and Payton Wood. Joel Meinen chipped in with a pair of RBI's.
In the 1pm game vs Beamsville, starter Priestap spun a complete game six-hitter as the Astros would down the visiting Stingers by a score of 10-3. Beamsville struck early in the first inning with a single, stolen base, and RBI double to open the scoring. Priestap would settle in and not allow another run until the fifth inning, and closed out the victory himself in the bottom of the 7th with a strikeout.
The red-hot Astro bats went to work quickly in the first inning, scoring three runs on a sac fly by Templeman and RBI base hits from Priestap and Wood. Dominic Marshall added a 2-run double in the third to give Mitchell a lead they would not give up. Ward and Van Bakel each scored three runs, and Russwurm would add a pair. Hayden Nicholson continued his hot hitting with a 2-run base hit and RBI groundout. Outfielders Marshall and Wade Campbell each made outstanding catches on fly balls to save runners from advancing and scoring.
In a gutsy performance with two players away with other commitments and two players out with injuries, the roster depth of the Astros was put to test for two games in one day. Every player stepped up and exceeded expectations, contributing to an outstanding team effort!