The LTN Contracting Knights, a peewee select team of 12- and 13-year-olds from the Prince George Youth Baseball Association, won three of five games at a long-weekend tournament in the Okanagan.
On Saturday they trounced the Rutland Rays, 16-5 and 19-2, both of which ended in five innings. Raymond Prive and Zach Swanson were the respective winning pitchers. Knights batters Tommy Kreitz and Ryan Hampe both knocked out home runs in the second game.
The Knights split a doubleheader Sunday with the Vernon Canadians. Ajay Nickolet struck out seven, allowed just four hits and gave up no walks in a 4-2 win in the opener. It was a big game at the plate for Hampe, who went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and one run scored. He also made two key catches in the outfield to take away Vernon scoring threats in the seventh and final inning.
In the second game, the Knights gave up seven runs in the seventh inning and lost 16-15. Matt Siemens was the losing pitcher after Hampe started. Seth Lapre and Liam Campbell also pitched for Prince George.
The weekend ended Monday when Vernon hitter Dawson Chase slugged a walkoff home run in a 13-12 come-from-behind victory. Prince George pitchers Quinten Astorino and Swanson allowed a combined seven walks. Nickolet, who finished the weekend with 12 hits, and Brevin Gervais homered for the Knights. Mikey Schwab was a sparkplug for the Knights, with five extra-base hits and had six stolen bases in six attempts.
"We're happy we outhit the opposition in every game, the approach the kids have at the plate is much improved and we did a very good job offensively," said Knights coach Jim Swanson. "Our defence was not as sharp as it's capable of being, no concerns there at this point because we know it's a strength, but our pitchers need to be ready to battle through tough stretches."
Vernon is expected to make the trip to Prince George for a four-game set at Spruce City Stadium, June 15-16. The Knights will host the triple-A peewee provincial championship, Aug. 8-11.
The Knights and Canadians plan to be in Burnaby this weekend at the 16-team John Main Memorial Classic tournament. The Knights open against Vancouver Minor Friday at 6 p.m. They play White Rock at noon Saturday followed by a 6 p.m. game with Newton.
Also on the Knights roster are Brett Mero and Soren Erricson, who were unable to make the trip to the Okanagan. The coaching staff also includes Denny Astorino, Brad Kreitz, Keith Hampe, Todd Schwab and Ray Siemens.
