The St. Albert Tigers surrendered a whopping 17 unearned runs in four losses at the Baseball Alberta senior AAA championship last weekend in Fort Saskatchewan.
In the tournament opener Friday, the Tigers fell 10-4 to the host Fort Saskatchewan Athletics despite a staunch pitching performance by southpaw Sean Maguire. It was 4-4 in the fourth inning when the Tigers’ wheels fell off. They finished the season with an 0-7 record against the Athletics, the first-place team in the Sunburst Baseball League.
Later in the day, the Tigers gave up seven unearned runs in the 11-2 loss to the Red Deer Riggers. Derek Dallorto and reliever Jarvis Greiner pitched for the Tigers.
In extra innings Saturday, the Tigers dropped a 6-3 decision to the Red Deer Stags. Great pitching by Matt Rindero and Maguire gave the Tigers a chance to win it.
The last game of the day was a 5-3 setback to the Parkland White Sox, the top team in the North Central Alberta Baseball League. The Tigers fielded a lineup with more reserves than starters. Miles Cearns pitched a good game but defence was a factor again.
At the plate, Joe Carr and Craig Tomas swung big sticks for the Tigers. The veteran trio of Danny Mikitka, Luc Riopel and Carr also provided strong leadership in a losing cause.
Last year as provincial hosts, the Tigers finished 1-3 after going 0-6 in 2009.
The Tigers finished the year with a disappointing 7-20 overall record: 5-9 in the Sunburst regular season, 0-2 in the playoffs, 2-5 in tournaments and 0-4 at provincials.
Meanwhile, field manager Kurtus Millar announced his retirement from the Tigers.
“I feel I did everything possible to win. I worked really hard, especially this season, but the result was 0-4,” said the longtime Tiger, a golden glove second baseman before moving into the coaching ranks a few years ago. “The Tigers did want me to continue as coach but I also feel a change was needed for the team to start winning again. It’s not the way I wanted to go but maybe it’s the best while I still love the game.”
St. Albert Impact teams are bound for provincials this weekend in girls soccer.
The U12 tier II Impact qualified for the 12-team draw in Lethbridge and the U14 tier II Impact will compete for medals in the eight-team Red Deer tournament.
Visit www.albertasoccer.com for schedules and results.
St. Albert forward Jake Mykitiuk is one step closer to making Team Pacific after attending the U17 provincial camp in July.
Mykitiuk was among 32 players shortlisted from a group of 46 athletes at the provincial tryouts. They will now be scouted during their club season to determine the 11 Alberta players that will join 11 British Columbia players on Team Pacific at the World U17 Hockey Challenge, Dec. 29 to Jan. 4 in Windsor, Ont.
Last season, Mykitiuk scored 19 goals and added 13 assists in 33 games with the bantam AAA St. Albert Sabres. He was also the recipient of the John Reid Memorial Award for heart and hustle at the Sabres tournament.
A large flotilla of St. Albert Sailfish qualified for the Alberta Summer Swimming Association championships after clocking fast times and top finishes at the region B regionals last weekend at Fountain Park Recreation Centre.
Going to provincials this weekend are the following regional qualifiers and the number of age-group events they will compete in: Laura Anderson (one), Hayley Basterash (four), Payton Basterash (four), Carter Bragg (one), Joely Bragg (one), Madisyn Danyluk (four), Alexis Lema (one), Julia Lema (two), Meghan Loerke (four), Tyler Moroz (four), Stephanie Nichol (four), Emily Rolheiser (one), Eric Rolheiser (one), Jonah Tanasiuk (four), Sasha Tanasiuk (four), Riley Waples (four), Ethan Wilson (two), Morgan Wilson (three), Noah Wilson (three) and Aiden Zalasky (three).
Receiving provincial berths as wildcard qualifiers were Devon Christoffel (two), Alexis Lema (one), Julia Lema (one), Emily Rolheiser (two), Noah Wilson (one) and Zalasky (one).
Eight Sailfish were also named as alternates on the region B team and will only swim if there is an opening. They are Jessica Frey (one), Alexis Lema (one), Julia Lema (one), Faith Nobert (one), Hannah Waples (one), Hailey Wilson (three), Morgan Wilson (one) and Joely Bragg (one).
The Sailfish will also be represented in the relays by 12 regional qualifiers and one wild card entry. Two relay teams are also alternates.
