Milton was led by Kevin Greer's three hit performance that included a double and an RBI. Rookie catcher, Harris Voyatzis, making his debut with the Red Sox, pounded out a triple and two RBis James Bruce, with a double and Jason Schneider, Kalen Winkler and Steve Lauzon registered a hit apiece. Rookie, Remington Evelyn, earned four walks and Kevin Cooper and Ryan Wood contributed Sacrifice RBIs each. Erindale's Pip Nurray-Smith and Johnny Dewolfe recorded two hits apiece and the Cards outhit the Red Sox 10-8.

Although outhit 14-12, James Bruce led the way with a 3/5 performance and 2 RBIs. Burly catcher,Ryan Wood, contributed two clutch singles driving in 3 RBIs. Jason Schneider pounded out a pair of hits including a double and an RBI, while veteran ,Steve Lauzon, also had a 2-hit night. Newcomer middle infielder, Kalen Winkler, drew 3 BBs, hit a single, and drove in a run. Another new addition, Justin Cruz, drove in a run and earned a couple of walks. Veteran Kevin Greer also contributed a single. Milton took full advantage of 8 Brampton walks.

Ian Zettle threw the first 3 innings and gave up two earned runs on 3 hits and two walks. Chris Cloes held the Royals scoreless for two innings surrendering three hits. Rookie Justin Cruz was touched up for 3 runs on 4 hits over the inning he worked before Jason Schneider allowed just one run in the final two innings he worked giving up a pair of hits and a walk. The Royals were led by a 3-hit performance by Riculi, and two- hit contributions apiece by Steve Fleisher, Keagan Murphy, Pat Pinlac and Dawson Fascia. Chris Cloes was awarded the Win and Brampton's R.J. Page the loss.

The COBA 'AAA' Major is an all 'AAA" Senior baseball league and one of the best Senior leagues in the province. The league combines experienced veterans, both IBL and COBA Major AAA, with a steady stream of OUA players as well as players at school in the USA, plus many local and imported Jr. graduates. Each year, the Milton Red Sox are perennial league playoff challengers, last winning the Playoff Finals in 2015, and also in 2011 and 2007.

The league schedule is 28 games with home games on Wednesday nights and Saturdays, and combined with anywhere from 2-3 tournaments, the Elimination Tournament in Windsor this year, as well as a double- knock-out tournament at the end of the league schedule to determine the league champion, teams in the 'AAA' COBA MAJOR play anywhere between 40-48 games per summer. It is a league for the serious-minded athlete who wants to maintain playing very competitive baseball during the summer months.

Milton plays out of the spacious Milton Sport's Center Complex with one of the best parks in COBA Senior baseball. The Hap Walters Tournament, as well as our league playoffs are hosted at the Milton Sports Center.

Directions to PPA:

401 to Hanlon Pkwy. (one cutoff west of #6 Hwy. - north to Paisley St. cutoff - exit rt. on Paisley and head east for 2 stoplights to Alma St. - rt. on Alma south for a few blocks to RR tracks - in middle of tracks is Crimea St. to the left. Peak Performance Athletics is on the immediate right - 100 Crimea St. likely the only building lit in the area. (519-515-0140)

Chris Cloes (2-3) earned the win for Milton with 7 strong innings surrendering 3 ERs on seven hits, 0 BBs while striking out six Miss. SW hitters. Dan Todoshuk threw a scoreless 8th issuing one hit and a walk, and Matt Lahn hurled the ninth allowing one hit while striking out the side. Chris Piccini and Ryan McAree had a pair of hits each for the Twin,s while Tomas Rincon blasted a solo HR and James Byrne also hit a triple. Milton outhit SW 13-9 and committed just one error to the Twins six miscues.

Offensively, the Red Sox had an outstanding performance from Kevin Greer who contributed 6 RBIs with two singles and a two-run HR in the first inning. Josh Schneider and Steve Lauzon had two hits each with Lauzon producing and RBI , walk and a stolen base. Brett Medland with a single, 3 runs, 4 BBs, a SB and an RBI, Matty Lahn with a single and 2 BBs, Ryan Wood with an RBI single and Orion Katayama with a single rounded out the 11-hit MIlton offensive production. Starter Dan Nauth was saddled with the loss for Erindale while Dan Estey, Mark Taplin and Kevin Lukas also saw mound action. Erindale out-hit Milton 12-11 during the game. Nine Cardinal BBs was more than likely the deciding factor in the contest. Each team committed two errors during the wnd-swept game.

Milton out-hit Burlington 18-6 on the night led by Matty Lahn's six RBI s courtesy a double, single and a pair of sacrifice flies. Kevin Cooper stayed red-hot with two hits that included a 2-run HR and 3 RBIs. Kevin Greer with a solo HR and a single also produced 2 RBI,. while Dan Apostoli and James Bruce recorded three hits and an RBI each pestering the Brants at the top of the lineup. Brett Medland and Brendan Power with a pair of hits apiece , as well as Don Smith with a solo HR, and Ryan Wood with a single completed the 18-hit barrage. Brandon Habibi was charged with the loss for the Brants in relief of starter Jordan Rienzo. Cam Ryerson threw the 8th and 9th. The Brants committed four errors during the game.

Milton ran out six pitchers during the game that saw them commit just one error on the night. Starter, Chris Cloes , charged with one ER and two hits over two innings, was followed by Gabe Boulanger with a two-inning stint that produced a pair of ERs on two hits and three walks. Brett Cameron and Dan Todoschuk threw the 5th that produced a run on two WPs and a pair of walks. Jason Schneider (5-2) came on in the 6th and held Burlington scoreless surrendering just one hit and was credited with his 5th win of the season. Hard-throwing Danny Marquez earned the save with a solid two innings that registered three Ks and a walk for his third outstanding relief effort in the last few weeks. Brock Marshall recorded half of the Brant's six-hit total with a trio of hits, while veteran, Luke Posavad, clubbed a solo HR in the 4th.

The Red Sox, now 12-8 in league play, like all the COBA Major teams, enter the Hap Walters Memorial Tournament this weekend. Milton takes on Oakville Friday night at 6 pm, Windsor Stars at 10:00 am Saturday morning, and Strathroy Royals at 4:30 pm Saturday afternoon. All Milton's games are played at the Milton Sports Center.

Milton registered 12 hits, led by Kevin Cooper with three hits and two RBIs. Kevin Greer also produced three hits and Donny Smith recorded a pair of hits that included a double and an RBI. Catcher, Nick Feren, tied the game in the bottom of the ninth with a pinch-hit two-run single, and Gabe Boulanger and Matt Lahn produced RBI singles. Brett Medland also recorded a single. Erindale's Mark Taplin earned the win in relief. The Cardinals committed three errors and Milton, for the third game in a row, played error-less ball.

Starting pitcher Jason Schneider earned his fourth win of the season by rebounding from a shaky start and settling down to hold the Royals to 4 hits over seven complete innings while dodging 5 BBs and recording 5 strikeouts. Feisty newcomer, Danny Marquez, closed the final two innings by allowing just two hits and striking out three batters to provide welcome relief to a banged- up bullpen roster. Offensively, Milton's Gabe Boulanger pounded out three hits that included a triple and an RBI while Steve Lauzon and effervescent Dan Apostoli, provided a pair of hits each, with one of Apostoli's hits being a triple. Veteran Kevin Greer blasted a solo HR to go with a single, and steady Matty Lahn launched a 2-run double in the 7th. James Bruce, Brendan Power and Kevin Cooper also drove in runs with timely singles each. Steve Hough was saddled with the loss for Brampton who committed three errors on the night.

Milton out-hit Oakville 11-8 led by Matty Lahn with three singles and two RBIs and Jason Schneider with a two-hit night which included a 3-run HR and three RBIs. Kevin Cooper and Brendan Power with RBI singles, as well as Brett Medland, Dan Apostoli, Gabe Boulanger and James Bruce each with singles, completed the Milton attack. Nick Boyd suffered the Oakville loss.

Saturday morning , the Red Sox overcame an early 4-0 1st inning deficit to fight back and take the lead 5-4 after 5 innings. However, with two out and a man at 2nd in the top of the 7th, Leaside singled to tie the game and doubled to plate the winning run while holding Milton scoreless in their half of the inning. Jason Schneider, who absorbed the loss, threw well after the first inning, completing 6 2/3 innings while being touched for 6 ERs on 7 hits and a pair of walks while striking out 6 Leaside batters. Dan Todoschuk came on in relief in the 7th but could not quell the Leaside late-game rally.

Offensively, the Red Sox matched Leaside with an 8- hit attack, led by veteran Kevin Cooper with 3 hits that included an RBI and Matty Lahn with 2 hits , one a solo HR in the 3rd. Dan Apostoli smashed a 2-run single , and Don Smith produced an RBI single. Kevin Greer also registered a single. MIlton played errorless ball during the game.

Saturday afternoon was not a high-light in the year so-far for the Milton squad. The Pickering Red Sox outhit, out-pitched and out-defensed Milton in this best -forgotten affair. Pickering lashed Red Sox pitching for 12 hits - 7 for extra-bases - while being gifted with 8 BBs, 3 PBs, 4 Errors, 3 WPs and 2 HBs - a certain receipe for disaster. Veteran starter, Ian Zettle, was saddled with the loss giving up 5 ERs on 4 hits and 3 BBs while striking out 3 in 1 2/3 innings. Dan Marquez allowed another 3 ERs, on 4 hits and 4 BBs, and Dan Todoschuk was tagged for 4 ERs, courtesy 4 hits and a walk. Milton uncharacteristically also made four errors in the game.

Milton only registered five hits themselves. Orion Katayama had a single and two RBIs, Kevin Cooper and Brett Medland RBI singles, with "Coop' also drawing a couple of walks , Matty Lahn a double and a pair of BBs and Kevin Greer recorded a single.

Offensively, Milton were led by Brett Medland with three hits, including a double and 4 RBIs and Orion Katayama with a 2/3 night , both doubles, and 3 RBIs, as they set the pace. Veteran captain, Kevin Cooper, stayed red-hot with a clutch pinch-RBI hit double in the eigth and rookie Matty Voight slapped out a pair of singles and an RBI. Brendan Power with a double, as well as Jason Schneider and Dan Apostoli rounded out the 11-hit Milton offense with singles apiece. Eric Ferreira was tagged with the Royal loss. Milton out-errored Brampton 6-1 on the night.

Jason Schneider , returning to the mound this season after a 5-year absence, earned the win with a 5 1/3 inning start surrendering three ERs on five hits, five BBs, while striking out four Metro hitters. Milton's defense aided his efforts with two outstanding middle-infield double-play. Javed Baksh appeared briefly in relief in the 6th inning before dependable lefty, Dan Todoschuk came on to frustrate the Niagara over the last 3 2/3 innings, holding Niagara scoreless while surrendering just a pair of hits and walking none to register his third save of the season. Brett Medland tracked two tough fly-balls into the sun in right field during the late innings to quell Metro threats. Metros 7-hit offence was led by Ricki Ferri with three hits that included a double, as well as by ex- Red Sox, Troy Findlay with a pair of singles and a walk.

Milton hammered out 14 hits on the day led by middle-infielders Don Smith who registered four hits, a SB, and an RBI as well as Gabe Boulanger with three hits and a pair of RBIs. Veteran 1st baseman Kevin Cooper and newcomer, Nick Feren, counted two hits and an RBI each, while Kevin Greer with an RBI double, Dan Apostoli with a single and two RBIs, and Riaz Baksh with a single and hustle on the base-paths, rounded out Milton's attack.

Red Sox young slugger, Matty Lahn, led the way with a 4/6 night that included a grand slam HR and 5 RBIs. Rookie, Dan Apostoli, followed suit with 3 hits that included a double, SB and an RBI, while Brendan Power and Gabe Boulanger had two hits and an RBI each. James Bruce with a 2 RBI single, Kevin Greer with and RBI, and Kevin Cooper with a single, rounded out the Milton 14-hit attack. Josh Marson, the 5th of five Cardinal hurlers, was saddled with the loss.

Defensively , Milton starter, Chris Cloes, went 5 innings and was touched for one ER on eight hits. he walked three batters while striking out one. Dan Todoschuk came on in the 6th and was touched up for 3 ERs courtesy 3 hits and a walk. Matty Lahn took the hill in relief in the 7th and held the hit-happy Cards to one earned run over 2 2/3 innings to earn the win. Erindale's lead-off hitter, Pip Murray-Smith, led the way with three hits, and Chris Novia, Aaron Palmer and Greg Dodwell registred multiple hits for the Cards. Novia smashed a prodigious HR in the 7th that disappeared into the swamp-grass in left field. Aneil Birsa was a super-pest all night with an RBI single and three walks to start a few rallies for the home squad. Milton had two errors on the night while Erindale committed four miscues.

Offensively, the Red Sox pounded out 12 hits led at the plate by Matty Lahn with a pair of doubles, a single and an RBI. Kevin Greer with 2 RBIs courtesy of a double and single, Orion Katayama with an RBI double and single and James Bruce with a pair if singles, propelled the brunt of the attack. Dan Apostoli, Riaz Baksh and Brendan Poweralso registered singles each. Kyle Porter was tagged with the loss for the Twins, who also sent Billy Hurley and Tomas Rincon to the hill during the game.

Milton was led by Orion Katayama with a single and a double , as well as fireplug rookie, Dan Apostoli, who hammered out a pair of singles. Matty Lahn and Kevin Greer also registered singles. Dylan Perlego earned the win for Metros with a solid start and Andrew Cartaginese, Tyler Wood and Dan Proctor held the Milton bats in check in relief. Milton had a pair of errors and Niagara one.

'Cranks' Cards out hit the Red Sox 11-5 on the day, highlighted by Chris Novias' towering two-run HR in the 3rd. Jay Woodward, Jake Eves and Steve Gallant had multiple hits for the Cards. Greer with his double and GWRBI, Matt Lahn with a 2-run single, Kevin Cooper with an RBI single, and Dan Apostoli and Nick Feren with singles accounted for all the Red Sox offense.

Defensively, Milton combined solid pitching and stellar middle- infield defense to hold 'Red Machine' bats in check. Chris Cloes worked 5 innings allowing 2 ERs, 9 hits , 0 BBs while striking out a pair. Jason Schneider, came on in the 6th to throw two scoreless innings while allowing a walk and a pair of hits. Most importantly, the Windsor newcomer induced two DP ground balls expertly turned by Gabe Boulanger and Orion Katayama. Matt Lahn came on to power through a hitless, scoreless 8th and 9th to earn the walk-off win. The Card's Josh Marson was tagged with the loss.

Offensively, Milton had 9 hits led by James Bruce with a two hit, two RBI performance. Brendan Power and returnee Matt Lahn both pounded out a pair of hits with Power adding an RBI and Lahn a booming double. Catcher, Liam Tennant with a single and an RBI , as well as Kevin Greer and Jason Schneider with singles apiece rounded out the offense. Cam Ryerson started on the mound for the Brants and Jordan Rienza took the loss in relief.

Defensively, the Red Sox overcame four errors and nine walks for the win. Veteran, Ian Zettle, started and hurled a stellar six innings issuing one ER, 2 BBs, and 7 hits while registering a pair of Ks. Evan Cruikshank threw the seventh issuing an ER on one hit and 3 BBs. Brett Cameron started the eighth and got into trouble before Scott Robbins came on to limit the rallying Brants to a single run. Perhaps the most significant play of the game was a brilliant knockdown and throw from third by Kevin Greer to get the final out of the inning stranding three Brant runners. Dan Todoschuk came on in the 9th to quell another Brant uprising with a strike-out, pop fly to second and a ground out to short earning the save. Robbins was awarded the win. Brants nine hits were led by Cory Lewis, Trevor Woodjets, Tim Sogan and Darryl Pierce with a pair of hits. Brants had three errors on the night. , Corey Morrison blasted a solo HR in the 3rd inning.

The COBA 'AAA' Major is an all 'AAA" Senior baseball league and one of the best in the province. The league combines experienced veterans, both IBL and COBA Major AAA, with a steady stream of OUA players as well as players at school in the USA, plus many local and imported Jr. graduates. Each year, the Milton Red Sox are perennial league playoff challengers, last winning the Playoff Finals in 2015, and also in 2011 and 2007.

The league schedule is 28 games with home games on Wednesday nights and Saturdays, and combined with anywhere from 2-3 tournaments, the Elimination Tournament in Windsor this year, as well as a double- knock-out tournament at the end of the league schedule to determine the league champion, teams in the 'AAA' COBA MAJOR play anywhere between 40-48 games per summer. It is a league for the serious-minded athlete who wants to maintain playing very competitive baseball during the summer months.

Milton plays out of the spacious Milton Sport's Center Complex with one of the best parks in COBA Senior baseball. The Hap Walters Tournament, as well as our league playoffs are hosted at the Milton Sports Center.

Directions to PPA:

401 to Hanlon Pkwy. (one cutoff west of #6 Hwy. - north to Paisley St. cutoff - exit rt. on Paisley and head east for 2 stoplights to Alma St. - rt. on Alma south for a few blocks to RR tracks - in middle of tracks is Crimea St. to the left. Peak Performance Athletics is on the immediate right - 100 Crimea St. likely the only building lit in the area. (519-515-0140)

Saturday morning, the Red Sox seemed to be entirely frustrating the Niagara Metros, leading 2-1 in the 5th inning, when the pitching short-circuited and the Metros rallied to throw up five runs, spelling disaster for the Milton crew. Damian Clarke suffered the loss giving up 6ERs on 6 hits and a pair of hit batters. Justin Volpato was hurriedly rushed into the fray, but gave up another pair of runs on two hits and 3 walks before rookie righty, Chris Cloes, came in to quiet the Metros in the one inning he worked. Dave Davidson. Ryan Laird and Tyler Wood each had a pair of hits for Niagara. Offensively, Milton managed only 5 hits to the Metro's 10, as Donny Smith had two hits and an RBI, Riaz Baksh an RBI single, Troy Findlay a double and Steve Lauzon contributed a single. Metro's Justin Ayles earned the win with Ryan Bench throwing the last inning in relief.

Later that afternoon, the Red Sox relied once again on the poise and experience of veteran Hall of Fame pitcher, Ian Zettle, to rally the troops. 'Zetts' was simply outstanding using his defense to shut down first-place power-house Etobicoke Rangers by a score of 4-0 scattering 6 hits, while walking just two batters. The Milton infield responded with precision executing two perfect DPs. The Ranger's Dan Murphy registered two hits. The Red Sox bats were still quiet as they managed just 5 hits off Etobicoke' tandem-pitching duo of Kyle Breitner and Kyle Angelow . James Bruce's two-run double in the first inning sparked the home squad. Steve Lauzon with an RBI double, Troy Findlay with a single and stolen base, and Kevin Cooper and Donny Smith with singles completed the offence. As a result of this upset win, Milton earned the right to battle again Sunday.

Sunday's game emerged as a pitching duel between Milton's veteran hurler, Justin Volpato, and Erindale's classy veteran, Ian Bala. Tied at 2-2 after 6 1/2 innings, the Cardinals put the first man on via a full-count walk by reliever Liam Tennant. Sacrificed to second, Milton got the next hitter on a ball hit to first baseman Kevin Cooper. With the lead runner advancing to third and slugger Chris Novia with three hits coming to the plate, followed by Geoff Cullen (enough said), Milton elected to load the bases to pitch to the next hitter who was hitless on the day. The tactic seemed to be working brilliantly, as Tennant jumped ahead of the hitter with a 1-2 count; however, a tough inside pitch was ruled to have hit the batter's billowing shirt. Game over!. Not a great ending to a tension-packed game. After a short harangue of the umpire's credibility ans sanity, things cooled down quickly. Milton and Erindale have been friendly rivals for over 20 years and the umpire just called what he saw on this windy day. That'e baseball, as they say - sob! The Cards outhit Milton 6-5 led by gentle giant, Chris Novia, with three thundering smashes through the infield that included a double, and Pip Murray-Smith with a pair of hits that also included a double. Troy Findlay inspirationaly led the Milton attack with two hits, a stolen base and an RBI, while Kevin Cooper hit an RBI single and Donny Smith, Steve Lauzon and Riaz Baksh all recorded singles

Thus Milton ends the season 18-23-1, much the same as last year's record of 19-25-1 when they rallied to win the playoffs late in the season. On a negative note, player absences by some newer players was a concern all year as far as competitive depth within the team was concerned. However, other teams seem to be experiencing the same problem. That might be good or bad to hear. But, on the greater positive side, the same loyal crew of players came out all the time for everything to support the team. And also, really, it is hard to get overly frustrated at player no-shows or pouters when the Red Sox enthusiastic fans and gang of player's kids are always there to make us laugh. Often when frustrated at dealing with many of the 'me-first' generation, the kids and fans pull us quickly back to reality. We believe that they have a better concept of what fun really is, and in many ways they are truly beloved by 'the baseball gods' that attend all our games. Thanks to all of you sincerely. Thanks also to Lorena and Glenn for looking after our diamonds so religiously. We sometimes take the upkeep of our great new fields for granted. They are always tailored professionally by Glenn 'Alvin' Turner. Thanks, man! We'll be back next year after trying hard to make our team a bit more consistent throughout the course of the season. .

Damian Clarke worked a scoreless first two innings for the Red Sox allowing one hit while striking out a pair. Veteran Liam Tennant was touched for 3 ERs on 4 hits and 4 BBs over two innings and the eventual awarded winner, Dan Todoschuk, threw the final 3 innings, allowing 3 hits , no ERs, one walk while striking out three batters. Veteran Metro hitter, Jono Marcheterre with a single and double, Matt Cashburn with two singles and Dave Davidson with a solo HR, led the Niagara offense.

Veteran pitcher, Justin Volpato, had another strong start for Milton earning the win limiting the A's to 6 hits and three walks over 6 2/3 innings of work. "Volps' 'gutted' it out after taking a line- drive off the right upper arm in the first inning. Danny Todoschuk was also stellar in relief holding the Oakville squad scoreless over the 2 1/3 innings he worked. Mike Modestino, Mike Kennedy and Julian Richards each had a pair of hits for the A's.

Saturday, the Milton squad took on Erindale in a DHer at the Milton Sports Center and lost both games 8-5 and 7-3. In Game 1 the Cardinals jumped ahead 8-0 over the first four innings against Ian Zettle. Milton tried to narrow the gap in the 4th and 5th innings as they scored 5 runs themselves. 'Zetts` surrendered 6 ERs on 9 hits and was saddled with the loss. Riaz Baksh threw two innings of scoreless, hitless relief. Three errors did not help the Milton cause. Jay Woodford with three hits that included a solo HR, and Geoff Cullen with two hits led the Cardinal 9-hit attack. The Red Sox had 8 hits led by Chris Pittaway with two doubles and an RBI, Orion Katayama with two hits that included a double and an RBI as well as Brett Medland with a double and single. Kevin Greer with a 2-run double and Kevin Cooper with a single comprised the Milton offense. Dan Estey went the distance for the 8-5 Erindale win.

In Game 1 Friday night against Tecumseh, the Red Sox battled the powerful Thunder to a 1-1 draw with two out in the 6th inning, when disaster struck. Milton failed to get an out as Tecumseh racked up 6 consecutive runs courtesy 6 hits 2 errors and a walk. The following inning , after coming to life in the 6th, the eventual winners took advantage of two more walks and two more hits to add three additional runs to finish with a 10-1 runaway lead. Tecumseh outhit Milton 16-6 taking full advantage of every opportunity . Rookie Milton starter, Damian Clarke, was roughed up for 14 hits and 6 ERs, issued a pair of walks and was tagged with the loss. Reliever, Dan Todoschuk fared little better, issuing three ERs on two hits and two walks. Rookie Chris Cloes settled things down by stifling the Thunder rally in the 7th. Don Smith, with two base hits and two stolen bases, led the 6 - hit Milton offence. James Bruce, Chris Pittaway, Troy Findlay and Steve Lauzon also contributed singles.

Saturday morning, similar to the Hap Walters Tournament when Milton also was ambushed in Game 1, veteran Ian Zettle settled things down among the panicky few, and threw a dominating game against the Thornhill Reds, the Vaughan Tournament champions. 'Zetts'' mound composure and experience led the Sox to a 1-0 complete game victory, limiting the Reds to just 3 hits while striking out a pair. The offense still stumbled; however, Kevin Greer's RBI single stood up as the Red Sox played sound defense over the seven innings. Donnie Smith with a double, and Chris Pittaway, Orion Katayama and Troy Findlay with singles, pressured Thornhill.

Later that day, the Red Sox sent two more veterans to the mound to try to disrupt the Niagara Metros, a powerful rival in the COBA MAJOR and one of the 3 eventual survivors in this year's Elims. Justin Volpato used his experience to survive three key errors and 3 UERs and limit Niagara to just one ER after 6 innings. ' Volps' allowed 7 hits walked one and struck out a pair for an outstanding quality start. Wiley, Liam Tennant came on in the 7th to hold the Metros scoreless in the 7th. However, Niagara hung on to defeat Milton 4-3.

The Metros outhit the Red Sox 8-7 . James Bruce with a pair of hits that included a double, led the attack while Kevin Greer with a 3-run bases-clearing double moved the Sox back into the game in the 5th trailing 4-3. Steve Lauzon recorded a double, and Riaz Baksh, Donnie Smith and Orion Katayama added singles..

In Game 1, Brampton jumped ahead 3-0 in their half of the first inning , only to have the home-side reply with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first. Milton went ahead 4-3 in the 4th inning and added three more in their half of the 6th to cement the win. Ageless veteran, Ian Zettle, gained momentum as the game progressed, emerging from a bases-loaded, none-out situation in the sixth. 'Zetts' allowed one ER on 5 hits and one walk while striking out 3 for the win. The Red Sox committed two errors in the game resulting in 3 unearned runs.. The Royals Marco DiRoma led their 7-hit offense with a pair of hits.

Milton had 9 hits in the game led by Donny Smith and James Bruce at the top of the order. Smith with three hits, a SB and 2 RBIs, and 'Brucey' with a pair of hits that included a double and also two RBIs , kept the Brampton defense on edge throughout the game. Steve Lauzon with a triple, Kevin Cooper with an RBI single, and both Liam Tennant and Riaz Baksh with singles, completed the attack. Chris Pittaway and Orion Katayama also recorded RBIs. Royal's Ryan Thompson suffered the loss while Brandon Habibi came on to pitch in the 6th inning.

Game 2 started differently with the Red Sox exploding into a 5-0 lead after two innings. Brampton added two runs of their own in the third inning and Milton a run in the 4th and two more in the 5th courtesy a HR blast by Kevin Cooper. The gritty Royals fought back with two runs in the 6th and pressed hard in the 7th to add another before being shut down. Rookie Damian Clarke threw 5 2/3 innings for the win and survived 3 costly Milton errors which led to 4 UERs. He bobbed and weaved through a bit of wildness limiting the Royals to three hits, issuing 3 walks and a few wild pitches while striking out four batters at critical times and getting a few key ground ball outs. Rookie reliever, Chris Cloes came on in relief to earn the save over the last 1 1/3 innings limiting the resurgent Royals to one ER on two hits and issuing no free passes. . Brampton's Yannick Rickli led the Royals with two of their five hits.

MIlton continued to hit at opportune times during Game 2 , led by Kevin Cooper's two-hit performance that included a 2-run HR and 3 RBIs, as well as Kevin Greer who broke out with a pair of hits that also resulted in 3 RBIs. Rookie Walker Lewis, hampered by unusual work hours this summer, had a chance to play today contributing two hits that included a double plus he exhibited constant hustle on the bases. Donny Smith with a single and a SB, and veteran Chris Pittaway with a solid single, comprised the Red Sox offense. Mike Burke, who went the distance for Brampton was saddled with the loss.

Offensively, Milton's hitting slump continued as they managed a mere five hits on the night. Brandon Washkevich and Troy Findlay each had a pair of hits and Kevin Greer contributed with a double to CF. The Twins Jordan Petruska kept the Red Sox in check for most of the game with James Byrnes throwing the seventh inning.

Inconsistent pitching, a hitting drought and a lack of any sense of urgency, doomed the Red Sox who lacked none of these facets two weeks ago in the London Lakeside Tournament. Friday night, with player absences forcing lineup shuffles, the Milton squad gave up runs early and often to trail high-powered East York 6- 4 after 3 innings and 10-5 after 5 innings, but were unable to close the gap. Rookie lefty, Damian Clarke, was touched up for 9 runs, 5 earned, while allowing 7 hits and a pair of walks and suffering the loss. Steve Jablonski gave up another run surrendering 3 hits and Dan Todoschuk and James Bruce allowed just one hit between them over the last three innings to stifle East York. Offensively, Milton was out-hit 11-6 by the winners. Donny Smith with a pair of doubles , a stolen base and 2 RBIs led the way. James Bruce with an RBI double and Riaz Baksh, Orion Katayama and Brandon Washkevich all managed singles. Milton committed a pair of costly physical errors and a few mental indiscretions that may have set a negative tone.

Saturday morning saw the Red Sox ride a solid performance by ageless, Ian Zettle, as he raised the team's moralel with a convincing 4-0 shut-out performance over the Guelph Silvercreeks Jrs. 'Zetts" allowed 6 hits and struck out four batters. The young Silvercreeks came out fighting with a great pitching performance of their own from Zach Lawrence to hold the Red Sox in check over four innings. In the 5th inning Milton struck for 4 runs on RBI singles from Kevin Greer, James Bruce, Adam Shaver, and an RBI from Troy Findlay. Steve Lauzon had two hits and Kevin Cooper and Donny Smith added singles.

Later in the afternoon, the Red Sox were thoroughly outplayed by a hustling Pickering team and fell 6-1. The offense managed just one hit off Panther pitcher John Vecchiarelli who baffled the Milton hitters with his assortment of change-of - speed strikes. Kevin Greer managed the only hit of the game for the Red Sox. Milton's veteran starter, Liam Tennant, was roughed up rudely for 5 ER over three innings and was saddled with the loss. Lefty, Dan Todoschuck, improving rapidly of late, threw another two innings of scoreless relief. Steve Jablonski surrenderd a run on two hits in the one inning he worked, but started to get his curveball under control. The Red Sox were out-hit 10-1 in the game.

All in all, the coaching staff was disappointed in the lack of a sense of urgency in games that were all winnable during this tournament. A few of the younger players are trying to learn how to channel their frustrations into better on-field performances, rather than body- language displays that inspire the opposing teams; and conversely, a few of the older players need to be reminded that playing with intensity and passion were the two things that had pushed Milton to a # 9 ranking among Senior teams in Ontario after the London Tourney. Aberrations occur, and the 'brain-trust' feel confident that a few games this weekend were just that - an aberration.

the team gets a chance to get their act together this Wednesday at the MSC when the exciting Mississauga SW Twins come to town. Game time is 7:30pm.

Thanks to all who stayed around volunteering their services all weekend to help with the tournament. The umpires at all parks did a fabulous job. I can only speak for games played at the Milton Sports Center, but a hearty thanks, as always to Glenn and Lorena Turner for contolling the myriad of volunteers that included the Milton and Erindale players , Joe Jurus and Jon Merton, along with supervisors, Greg Cranker and Dave Turner who kept the fields in pristine condition. Thanks guys.

Thanks also to 'Captain Commander', Dan Estey working the cells to get information and keep things running smoothly, guided ably by 'Alvin' and 'Cranks'. Thanks 'Mule', your organizational efforts are indispensable.

The Red Sox pitching was a mixed bag of complete efficiency combined with some control problems at times. Rookie starter, Scott Robbins, threw a pair of innings and allowed 4 ERs on 4 hits and a pair of BBs but was picked up by Steve Jablonski over the next two innings as he held the Brants scoreless. Veteran Justin Volpata followed suit with two more scoreless, hit-less innings to hold the game in check as Milton closed the gap to 4-2 after six complete innings. However, Riaz Baksh, pressed into mound duties, also experienced control issues as he allowed 2 ERs on 3 BBs and a pair of hits. For the second game in a row, veteran Liam Tennant came in for the last 1 1/3 inning to slam the door with a three strikeout performance. Burlington offense was led by Trevor Woodjetts and Darryl Pierce with two hits each and Corrie Morrison with a double. Both teams played errorless ball on the night.

Veteran Ian Zettle, felled by heat exhaustion the previous night after one inning against Erindale, returned to form to slog through 6 gritty innings limiting the Royals to 4 ERs off 8 hits and one walk while striking out 4 Brampton batters. However, disaster struck when the bull-pen struggled from the 7th to the 9th innings to close the game. Mike Campuccitti allowed a pair of ERs courtesy two walks and two hits without recording an out. Steve Jablonski extricated Milton from that mess in the 7th; but ran into problems himself in the 9th as the home team struck for three ERs on four straight hits.. Liam Tennant came on to put out the fire and throw the extra scoreless inning . Brampton was led at the plate by Marco Di Roma with four hits that included a pair of doubles and Yannick Rickli with three hits including a solo HR in the first inning. Andrew Thomson and Brandon Habibi recorded two hits each as well.

Milton continued to hit the ball consistently. Veteran 1st- baseman, Kevin Cooper was on fire with a 5/5 performance that included a double and two RBIs and rookie Brett Medland banged out 4 singles, stole a pair of bases and drove in three runs. Chris Pittaway stayed hot with three singles and two RBIs and Orion Katayamaya, besides playing outstandingly at short, registered two doubles and an RBI. Steve Lauzon also continued his great situational hitting with two hits and an RBI. Feisty, James Bruce smashed a two-run triple in the 6th and Riaz Baksh registered a single. Steve Hough, Brad McLaughlin and R J Page handled the pitching for the Royals. Brampton out-hit Milton 19-18 and both teams committed two errors.

Milton was only outhit 15-14 on the night with Troy Findlay leading the way with 2 hits and 3 RBIs that included a 2-run HR. Kevin Greer had a pair of hits and an RBI while Donny Smith with 2 hits and a SB and Chris Pittaway also with 2 hits set the pace. James Bruce and Riaz Baksh had two RBI doubles and Brett Medland chipped in with an RBI single. Orion Katayama, Kevin Cooper and Steve Lauzon had singles. Ian Bala was the starting Erindale hurler and Dan Estey shut the door on any Red Sox come- back over the last five innings to earn the win.

Friday night against a solid Ilderton squad, the Red Sox rode the 3-hit pitching of young lefty Damian Clarke to a 6-0 victory. Clarke struck out one and also walked just one batter. Steve Lauzon with a pair of hits and 3 RBIs led the way offensively. Troy Findlay with two hits, a SB and an RBI, as well as Donny Smith with two hits incuding a double, followed suit. Kevin Greer with a single and a pair of RBIs, Chris Pittaway with a double, as well as Orion Katayama, Adam Shaver and Brandon Washkevich with singles completed the 11 hit Milton run. The The Red Sox scored all of their runs after the 3rd inning.

Saturday morning, Ian Zettle powered his way to a 2-0 one hit shutout win against the Tecumseh Jr Thunder. 'Zetts' struck out five and walked two in this masterful performance. Milton, who recorded just four hits of their own, were led by James Bruce and Troy Findlay with RBI singles, Donny Smith with a double as well as Kevin Greer with a single.

Next up, 'the Milton Nine' came out flat against a hard-hitting Sarnia squad which pounded out 14 hits and that resulted in an 8- 0 lead after 5 innings. Milton came to life striking back for two runs in the 6th inning. Liam Tennant suffered the loss allowing 5 ERs over 4 1/3 innings on 10 hits and a pair of walks, while Chris Cloes allowed two ERs on three hits and a walk before Dan Todoshuck settled things down with a scoreless 1 1/3 inning to stifle the Braves. Offensively, the Red Sox managed just seven hits. led once again by the hot-hitting James Bruce who slashed a double and a single. Chris Pittaway with a double, in addition to Donny Smith, Riaz Baksh, Adam Shaver, Troy Findlay and Kevin Greer, all with singles, comprised the Red Sox offensive effort.

It was certainly a different scenario Sunday morning at Aldridge Park as Milton pounded out 8 hits against the same Sarnia Braves en route to a convincing 8-0 victory and a berth in the semi- finals. Troy Findlay led the way with 3 hits and two RBIs, while Chris Pittaway with a single and two RBIs, as well as Riaz Baksh, Adam Shaver and James Bruce with RBI singles kept pace. Donny Smith recorded a single and Kevin Greer an RBI. Justin Volpato was solid on the mound over 5 innings to earn the win. A resilient veteran,'Volps', held Sarnia to a pair of hits and one walk while striking out 3 batters. Reliever, Josh Dos Santos, kept pace with two scoreless inning of relief.

The semi-final against Tecumseh Srs. was a classic pitching duel for 3 innings until C. Lamania launched a mammoth solo shot in the 4th inning. Tecumseh added two more runs in the 5th and 6th innings to seal the win. Damian Clarke absorbed the loss before leaving with an injury in the 4th inning. Steve Jablonski struggled for control with three walks and two hits resulting in three ERs. Dan Todoschuck calmed the waters with two innings of hitless, scoreless relief. The Red Sox out-hit the eventual tournament champions 8-7 on the game, with James Bruce and Steve Lauzon leading the way with two hits apiece, including an RBI triple by 'Brucey'. Kevin Greer, Donny Smith, Orion Katayama and Troy Findlay added singles.

Milton used a bevy of pitchers in an attempt to stifle the hard-hitting Mississauga SW crew. Dan Todoschuck was touched up for five runs on five in the first inning; however,he righted himself in his next two innings. Steve 'Jabo' Jablonski (3-1), the declared winner, allowed a run on two walks and a single over his two-inning stretch. Damian Clarke contributed a scoreless inning, Josh Dos Santos was touched for a two- run HR while striking out a pair in his inning of work, and veteran, Liam Tennant threw a scoreless inning to shut down the game when the 10 run mercy rule took effect after eight innings. The Twins offense was led by Troy Black with four solid hits and Jamie Smith with a double and a two-run HR in the 8th inning.

Milton's Justin Volpato bobbed and weaved his way over six innings and earned the win. 'Volps' was touched up for two ERs on six hits and five BBs while striking out four Oakville batters. For the 4th game in a row the Red Sox bullpen combined to keep the opposition in check. Lefty, Dan Todoschuck, vastly improving Chris Cloes and solid closer Steve Jablonski meshed together to stifle the A's. 'Jabo' earned the save with an impressive 1-2-3 9th inning performance. Oakville out-hit Milton by a 10-8 margin and burly, Alex Hawley led the way with three solid smashes. Courtney Morales also had a pair of the Oakville hit total. Cook and Whitehouse, two Jr. call-ups, had a hit apiece as well.

Milton's offense, which out-hit Metros 10-4, was led by Kevin Greer and Steve Lauzon with a pair of hits each and John King with a booming RBI triple to left-center in the 8th inning. Troy Findlay with an RBI single,and James Bruce, Donny Smith, Orion Katagama and Damian Clarke all with singles contributed to the cause. Metro's starter, Justin Ayles, threw a great game over 7 innings, as did lefty reliever Brandon Beattie.

Milton's Chris Pittaway drove in two RBIs with a single and Steve Lauzon, John King, Troy Findlay, Kevin Cooper and Riaz Baksh all had singles. Kyle Anglelow started for the Rangers and Andrew Perryman, Max Clarke and Kyle Breitner threw relief.

Perhaps the most controversial play of the game was a botched suicide bunt attempt by Niagara in the top of the 6th that resulted in a ruled interference play at home plate nullifying a run and causing both sides to vent their ire a bit. The young umpires, likely the only ones who knew the actual ruling, it appears, managed to settle things down admirably keeping both managers semi-contented with their ruling.

Milton who out-hit Niagara 9-8, were led by the speedy dynamic duo at the top of their order, Donny Smith and James Bruce , who both had three hits and an RBI, while Smith scored twice and registered a SB and Bruce swiped 3 bases as well. Steve Lauzon pounded out 2 solid singles while new-comer, John King, continued to get on base consistently with a single and a walk. Metro power- pitcher, Geoff Strong, worked hard for 6 innings but was saddled with the loss. Young Fonthill lefty, Ryan Bench hurled the final 2 Niagara innings. Milton recorded three errors to Niagara's lone miscue.

Offensively, Milton again left 12 men on base. However, veteran, Chris Pittaway seems to be coming around as he blasted 2 hard-hit singles to lead the attack. James Bruce with an RBI single, Troy Findlay with a single and Brett Medland and Liam Tennant also with singles, rounded out the offense for Milton. Kyle Porter, Jordan Petruska (WP) and Billy Martin all threw for the Twins.

Milton's offense was led by catcher Troy Findlay with two hits and 2 SBs. James Bruce with a booming double and Kevin Greer with an RBI single also were a force. Don Smith, Walker Lewis, and John King rounded out the hitting with singles apiece. Each team had 3 errors.

Milton, outhit 11-10, were led by dynamic newcomer, big Alex Martinez who smashed 2 doubles and a single and just missed a HR to push the visitors ahead in the 10th inning. He also recorded three RBIs. Dependable Kevin Greer lashed out 2 hits, walked twice and had 2 RBIs. Orion Katayama, James Bruce, Mike Cappuccitti, Kevin Cooper and Brett Medland all chalked up singles. Milton did leave an astonishing 17 men on base and failed to take advantage of 10 walks issued by Royal pitching. The Royal's Joe Ferreira set the pace with a pair of hits.

Offensively, the Red Sox outhit the Brants 8-4 led by Alex Martinez with a 2-run HR and a single that produced 3 RBIs. Kevin Greer also produced two hits that included a triple and 2 RBIs. Troy Findlay blasted a double and Orion Katagama, Brandon Washkevich and Adam Shaver each contributed singles. Burlington's Trevor Westjetts was saddled with the loss.

Offensively the Red Sox matched Oakville as each team had 11 hits. James Bruce with a double and a single and Riaz Baksh and Orion Katayama with a pair of hits apiece, set the pace for Milton. Kevin Cooper, Alex Martinez, Kevin Greer, Troy Findlay and Walker Lewis all had singles. Cooper and Katayama each drove in a run. Milton committed 2 errors to Oakville's 3. the A's Marc Walton earned the win in relief of Alex Hawley.

The Twins took advantage of a control outage by a few young Milton pitchers. Chris Cloes, who gave up 6 ERs on 8 hits while walking a pair of batters in the two innings he worked, was saddled with the loss. Dan Todoschuck allowed 3 ERs courtesy 6 hits and a BB in his two innings and young lefty Damian Clarke was touched for an unearned run in the 7th inning while walking a pair and allowing a hit. Veteran, Justin Volpato seemed the only effective pitcher on this sweltering afternoon as he held the Twins scoreless over the two innings he worked allowing 3 hits and recording a strikeout. Mississauga's 18-hit offense was led by Matt Piccini with 3 doubles, Eric Ventura with three hits, Rincon with two hits including a 3-run HR in the 2nd as well as Troy Black with a pair of hits. Milton's defense did not help the cause with 4 costly errors leading to 4 UERs.

Offensively Milton outhit the Metros 8-6 with rookie catcher Findlay leading the way with 3 hits and a pair of RBIs that included a solo HR and a booming double. Together with 2 runs scored, the game-winning walk and a stolen base, it was certainly a night to remember for the new Red Sox. Kevin Greer also hammered a double and Steve Lauzon, James Bruce, Alex Martinez, Chris Pittaway, Riaz Baksh and John King all recorded singles, with Bruce chipping in with an RBI. Hard-throwing, Dan Proctor was the hard-luck loser for Niagara. Geoff Strong and Brandon Beattie battled hard, as usual, for the Metros.

Milton sent Liam Tennant to the hill to start, and Tennant held Niagara in check over 6 innings, limiting them to 2ERs on 4 hits, 3 BBs while recording 5 Ks. Rookie lefty, Damian Clarke, from Carlisle, slammed the door for 2 innings limiting the opposition to 1 hit while recording a strikeout. Not to be outdone, veteran Ian Zettle worked out of a pair of walks in the inning he pitched before handing the ball to the exuberant Steve 'Jabo' Jablonski who kept the scoreless string intact from the 6th inning, allowing a single hit while recording a K and earning the win. Dave Davidson and Evan Baglieri had a pair of hits each for Niagara.

Milton's offense was throttled by savvy veteran Gord Robertson, as he demonstrated the fine art of control-pitching to many of the Milton rookies. Robertson earned the win allowing 7 hits over 8 innings of work, walking 4 and striking out 3. Irascible, Donny Smith led the Red Sox with a pair of hits, including a double and BB wile stealing 3 bases. Veteran DH,Kevin Greer, launched an RBI double and new catcher, Troy Findlay, made an impressive debut hitting a double, blocking many errant pitches and throwing out a runner. Alex Martinez and Riaz Baksh hammered out singles and Adam Shaver worked hard to draw a pair of walks.

Offensively, the Red Sox were held to just 6 hits with Kevin Greer and Alex Martinez registering two apiece, with Martinez chipping in a double. Chris Pittaway drove in a run and Steve Lauzon contributed a single.

Offensively, each side probed the opposition with Milton out-hitting the Brants 8-7. Red Sox exuberant 2nd baseman, Donny Smith, led the home side with 3 hits and an RBI while scoring once and stealing a couple of bases. Three new-comers combined to push across 3 runs in the 8th with the game tied at 1-1. Brandon Washkevich advanced Kevin Greer with a solid single , Adam Shaver was hit by a pitch and Mike Cappuccitti lashed a 2-run single to right push two runs in . Greer was 1/2 with a double and RBI while scoring once. Liam Tennant and Riaz Baksh added singles with Tennant also contributing an stolen base. Burlington was led by Luke Posavad and Trevor Woodjetts with a double and single apiece while Cole Lewis added a pair of singles.

Batting cages, soft toss areas, a free-weights and running machine section, pitching mounds and an infield area, are all part of the facilities.

The COBA 'AAA' Major is an all 'AAA" Senior baseball league and one of the best in the province. The league combines experienced veterans, both IBL and COBA Major AAA, with a steady stream of OUA players as well as players at school in the USA, plus many local and imported Jr. graduates. Each year, the Milton Red Sox are perennial league playoff challengers, last year winning the Playoff Finals, and also previously in 2011 and 2007.

The league schedule is 28 games with home games on Wednesday nights and Saturdays, and combined with anywhere from 2-3 tournaments, the Elimination Tournament in Windsor this year, as well as a double- knock-out tournament at the end of the league schedule to determine the league champion, teams in the 'AAA' COBA MAJOR play anywhere between 40-48 games per summer. It is a league for the serious-minded athlete who wants to maintain playing very competitive baseball during the summer months.

Milton plays out of the beautiful new Milton Sport's Center Complex with one of the best parks in COBA Senior baseball. The Hap Walters Tournament as well as our league playoffs are hosted at the Milton Sports Center.

Directions to PPA: 401 to Hanlon Pkwy (one cutoff west of #6 Hwy. - north to Paisley St. cutoff - exit rt. on Paisley and head east for 2 stoplights to Alma St. - rt. on Alma south for a few blocks to RR tracks - in middle of tracks is Crimea St. to the left. Peak Performance Athletics is on the immediate right - likely the only building lit in the area. (519-515-0140)

Saturday morning, the Red Sox once again began a playoff week-end against the Etobicoke Rangers, who seemed to have their number all season. However, lefty Jeremy McDonald, as last week, was dominating on the mound holding the Rangers to 5 scattered hits and 3 ERs while striking out 5 and walking 5 batters to earn the 5-3 victory . Mark Capone, Ryan Panas, John Suami, A.J. Iafrate and Kyle Bowers all tallied Ranger hits.. Milton out-hit the opposition 12-5 with Donny Smith leading the way with 3 hits, Kevin Cooper with a pair of hits and an RBI, and veteran Steve Lauzon also with a pair of hits. James Bruce, Kevin Greer and Liam Tennant all had RBI singles and Blake Kauer and Riaz Baksh recorded singles. Andrew Hyde was saddled with the loss and was relieved by Bryan Vardzell in the 4th.

Immediately after Game 1, the Red Sox took on Brampton, and again, it was a game dominated by pitching from the outset. Veteran COBA Hall of Famer, Ian Zettle, scattered 5 hits over 7 innings while holding a powerful Royal club to a single ER while walking 3 and striking out 3 batters. Victor Speciale and Jonathon Minchella had 2 hits each for the Royals. Milton, who pushed across a pair of runs in the 8th to break a 2-2 tie since the 3rd inning and emerge 4-2 winners, were led by James Bruce with 3 hits and a pair of RBIs and Steve Lauzon with 2 hits . Riaz Baksh and Orion Katayama had RBI singles and Kevin Cooper also singled. RJ. Page was hit with the loss in relief of Zach Sloan, and veteran Joey Nonis finished on the hill for Brampton.

On Sunday, Niagara jumped into an early 3-0 first inning lead before Milton forged ahead 5-3 after 4 innings. With the game tied 5-5 after 7 innings, Milton cashed the go-ahead run in their half of the 10 as James Bruce, who had 5 hits on the day, drove in Steve Lauzon from 2B, who had pounded out a one-out double, to push Milton to a 6-5 championship victory. Milton out-hit Niagara 11-9 over 10 innings, with James Bruce leading the way with 5 hits and a pair of RBIs and Steve Lauzon with 3 hits including a double plus a pair of RBIs. Kevin Greer contributed an RBI single and Liam Tennant and Riaz Baksh also recorded singles while Orion Katayama produced an RBI. Justin Ayles suffered the loss in relief of Dan Proctor and Brandon Beattie for the Metros. The Red Sox starter, Justin Volpato was touched for 4 runs over 4 innings, surrendering 9 hits and 4 BBs while striking out 2. However, the Milton bull-pen, inspired of late with a more professional desire to close out games, rose to the fore magnificently. Josh 'Little Dose' Dos Santos came in to the game in the 4th with runners on 3rd and 2nd and one out and preserved the lead inducing a ground out and an infield pop-up. Next was Lefty Jeremy McDonald to close the original 7- inning game. But,heart-breakingly, with 2 out, Milton made a costly error to send the game into extra innings. Enter, young free-spirited lefty, Justin Newbold, who seems to thrive on this type of pressure. He earned the win over his 3- inning stint holding the Metros in check until the Red Sox surged ahead in the 10th. Newbold walked a pair and struck out one holding Niagara hitless.. Anthony Vacca had a pair of hits for Niagara, who scattered their 9 hits throughout the lineup.,

So, the 2015 season comes to a close on a victorious note for the Milton Red Sox. Their fans are happy and the 'rug-rat' brigade and pets that bark approval on every play are ecstatic. The organization would like to thank them all for making coming to the ball park such a fun event. We truly love you all. Many mistakes were made along the way this year; however, important lessons were also learned. Rebuilding is not easy at this level and almost impossible without an experienced coaching staff like the Milton Red Sox have, who have been through this scenario before. Some of the new recruits fell by the wayside not realizing the extent of the commitment at this level of baseball; however, others took the bit and ran with it strongly. But, none of this would have been possible without the key veteran players who are the core of any COBA MAJOR team. Once they saw how much the coaching staff needed them to offset the 'newbee' mentality that was bound to occur with so many new faces, things drastically started to change - especially at the ELIMs. Indeed,' they' made the Milton Red Sox 'a team' in every sense of the term. New players are necessary to instill vigor to a team; but, solid veterans are essential to provide leadership and heart in the face of the many adversities a team encounters during a summer of baseball. Thanks, guys, we are proud of you.

Despite the tremendous heat Saturday, the Etobicoke Rangers and the Red Sox battled back and forth for 10 innings, before the Rangers pushed across the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the 10th. Lefty, Jeremy McDonald was outstanding over 8 innings , surrendering just one ER on 6 hits while walking 4 and striking out 5 batters. Dan Todoschuk, who relieved McDonald in the 9th, was tagged with the loss issuing 4BBs and 3 key hits over the 2 innings he worked. Dan Murphy, Ryan Panas and A.J. Iafrate had 2 hits apiece for Etobicoke who were out-hit 17-9 by Milton. Steve Lauzon, Donny Smith and Matt Lahn with 3 hits apiece and Kevin Greer with a pair of hits and 2 RBIs led the attack. Kevin Cooper with 2 hits and an RBI and Riaz Baksh and James Bruce with a pair of hits registered offensively for the Red Sox. Ryan Vardzel was the winner in relief for Etobicoke. 3 Milton errors, 8 BBs and 17 men LOB sunk the Sox.

Later in the afternoon, Milton rode the steady performance of Ian Zettle to a 9-3 victory over the Burlington Brants. 'Zetts' allowed just 2 ERs, while scattering 9 hits, walking a pair and striking out 4. Justin Volpato came on to pitch a scoreless 7th. Brock Marshall led the Brants with 3 hits while Corey Morrison contributed a pair of hits as well.. Offensively, the Red Sox stayed hot out-hitting Burlington 15-10. Donny Smith led the attack with 3 hits and an RBI, while Blake Kauer had a pair of hits and 2 RBIs. Matty Lahn, Kevin Cooper and Liam Tennant all with 2 hits and an RBI apiece, Kevin Greer also with 2 hits, and Steve Lauzon with a 2-run single completed the offensive recordings.

Sunday, the Red Sox faced off against their long-standing rivals, the Erindale Cardinals and the game literally hinged on the last pitch of the game as Milton emerged as 7-6 winners. 2-1 for Erindale after one inning, 5-2 for Milton after 2 innings, 5-5 after 3 innings, and 6-5 for Erindale after 4 innings, Milton surged ahead for a 7-6 lead after 6 innings. After walking 3 batters in a row in the top of the 7th, even though the first walk was thrown out trying to steal 2nd, lefty Justin Newbold, came on to record the save, striking out his first batter,walking the next, then striking out a pinch-hitter to end the game. Steve 'Jabo' Jablonski earned the win after hurling 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Liam Tennant. Tennant was touched for 6 ERs on 5 hits and 5 BBs. The Red Sox somehow escaped a 9 BB game. All 6 of Erindale's hits were scattered among the team with the highlight being Chris Novia's monstrous 3-run HR to LF in the 3rd which almost landed in Field #1.

Milton used their 8 hits judiciously, led by Kevin Greer with 2 hits and 2 RBIs. James Bruce, and Matty Lahn had a single and a pair of RBIs each and Riaz Baksh with an RBI single. Blake Kauer with a double and Donny Smith and Kevin Cooper with singles each rounded out the Milton offense.

Friday night in Etobicoke, both teams patched together short-handed lineups; but, Milton came out hitting, besting the Rangers 10-5 in that category. Ian Zettle, one of the Red Sox's ' horses', was steady on the mound over 8 innings, surrendering just 3 ERs on 4 hits while walking a pair of Ranger hitters. Leading 7-5 in the bottom of the 9th, the Red Sox, out of arms, resorted to a pair of position players to try to close the game; however, 4BBs, one hit and 2 WPs between the improvised 'arson squad' was a recipe for disaster. A WP scored the winning run to lead Whitey's crew to a 8-7 victory. Vardzel was the winning pitcher and James Bruce was saddled with the loss. The return of young Matty Lahn was inspirational hitting-wise as he slammed a single and double and produced an RBI. Dan Campos with a pair of hits, and Liam Tennant and Kevin 'Big Coop' Cooper with hard-hit RBI doubles helped to power the offense. James Bruce and Blake Kauer had RBI singles and Orion Katayama and Kevin Greer contributed singles. Steve Lauzon also produced an RBI. Milton uncharacteristically committed 4 errors on the night.

Undaunted, the Red Sox sent Liam Tennant to the mound 12 hours later in Milton. After throwing 9 innings last Sunday in Windsor and 2 to close the game against Oakville Wednesday night, Tennant reached back to his younger years with a magnificent 10 inning scoreless display against the Burlington Brants in Game 1 of the scheduled DHer. He held the Brants scoreless limiting them to 7 hits while only issuing a single walk. Young Dan Todoschuk came on in the 11th and was tagged with the tough-luck loss as Burlington pushed across the winning run in the top of that inning. Todoschuk issued 2 hits and a walk. Milton out-hit Burlington 10-7; however, they left 12 men on base. Orion Katayama and Riaz Baksh led the Red Sox with 2 hits apiece, Matty 'Turf' Lahn hammered a double and Donny Smith, Kevin Greer, James Bruce and veteran, Steve Lauzon all recorded singles. The Brants were led by veteran Brock Marshall who had 3 hits and Trevor Woodjetts earned the win in relief of Jordan Rienzo. Each team committed a pair of errors.

Tied at 2 after 6 innings in Game 2, James Bruce's alertness at 3B with two out, enabled the veteran speedster to take advantage of a medium- ranged passed ball to score the winning run in a cloud of dust at home plate. The steadily-improving lefty, Jeremy McDonald, held the Brants in check allowing a single ER on 4 hits while issuing 3 BBs and striking out 10 Burlington batters over 7 innings to earn the win.. However, Cam McKnight and Cam Ryerson for the Brants scattered 7 hits to frustrate the Red Sox, who continued to leave too many men on base. Shortstop, Orion Katayama, enjoying a solid rookie season, and Kevin Greer, playing full-time again after last year's horrific leg injury, both had a pair of singles. Dan 'The Usher' Campos with an RBI double and James Bruce also with a double, kept the pressure on the Brants. Liam Tennant with an RBI single, persisted as one of the Red Sox' s 'Iron-men' , filling in behind the plate and at 3B after 10 innings on the mound in Game 1. Ryerson suffered the loss for Burlington. Milton committed 2 errors, and Burlington played error-less ball.

The Red Sox, surviving a host of injury, work-related and other problems that limited the attendance at games during the season, now seem to have the attendance balance fixed with a more positive over-all attitude. A mixture of 4 veteran and 4 young pitchers, plus a similar concoction of position players , have given the coaching staff reason for optimism, not only in the league playoffs that begin next weekend, but also for 2016. After starting the season 0-7-1, Milton has played the rest of the schedule 10-10 to end the 28 games with a 10-17-1 final record. Even though this was anticipated by the three veteran coaches, it was not always easy waiting for it to play out with so many new, unknown faces.

Each team had 14 hits, and the Red Sox were led by Liam Tennant with 3 hits and an RBI, James Bruce with a pair of hits and an RBI,Steve Lauzon with a pair pf singles and 2 RBIs as well as Kevin Greer with 2 hits. 'Birthday Boy', Blake Kauer walked 3 times, recorded a single and was credited with 4 RBIs. Donny Smith, Kevin Cooper and Riaz Baksh all recorded singles . Curtis Braun started and was relieved by Michael Vanderlaan for Oakville. Both teams committed an error.

Game 1 at Lacasse Park in Tecumseh, saw the Red Sox stay close to the powerful East York baseball squad, when with two out in the top of the 6th and trailing 6-3, they were unable to stem the rising East York tide and emerged from this' storm' trailing 16-3. 7 BBs, 12 hits and 3 errors was a bad combination to over- come. Justin Volpato did not have his best stuff and took the loss surrendering 10 ERs on 10 hits, while Harry Gaudet experience similar distress being touched for 4 ERs on 3 hits. Milton also only put 3 runs up on the board. Kevin Greer, Liam Tennant and Riaz Baksh each drove in a run with a single, while Steve Lauzon with a double and Donny Smith and Orion Katayama contributed singles.

Indicative of their new more positive 'team' attitude , Milton shook off Game 1 as a one-inning 'down-turn, and charged into Saturday's games seemingly unaffected. At Woodslee , the boys took on the Kingston Ponies and Jeremy McDonald was outstanding shutting them out 2-0 on a one-hitter over the 7 innings he pitched. He walked 4 while striking out 3 batters. Oddly enough, Derek Howe who toiled for the Red Sox about 7 years ago, matched McDonald pitch for pitch for the Ponies. Milton scored two runs in the 6th on Riaz Baksh's 2- run double to left. Also, continuing to swing a hot bat, Orion Katayama blasted two hits and Steve Lauzon added a single, as Howe limited the Sox to 5 hits over-all.

Saturday afternoon, Milton returned to Cullen Field, Windsor to take on the Martingrove White Sox. Trailing 2-0 after 4 innings, the Red Sox pushed across a run in the 5th and 2 more in the 6th to leap ahead 3-2, a lead which they held solid. Veteran, Ian Zettle bobbed and weaved over the 7 innings to earn the win. 'Zetts' allowed 2 ER on 8 hits, but walked none and struck out 4 batters. Milton had 10 hits led by Orion Katayama and Liam Tennant with 2 hits and an RBI apiece. Riaz Baksh also pitched in with a pair of hits, while Steve Lauzon with an RBI single tied the game prior to Katayama's go-ahead RBI. Blake Kauer with a double, and Kevin Greer and Dan Campos with singles completed the Milton offense. Overall on the Saturday, the Red Sox played great defense comiting just one error.

Sunday, Milton took on their COBA rival Burlington Brants at Soulierre Field, Windsor. Emerging from a 1st inning none-out bases-loaded situation, only down 1-0, the Red Sox jumped on power-pitcher Tim Sogan for 2 runs in their half of the 1st, and 5 more in the 2nd. Another 4 runs off reliever, Sushi Urata in the 4th, gave Milton the breathing room they needed. Third baseman Liam Tennant, forced to start because of injuries to two pitchers , put out one of his gutsy performances of old, and went the 7 innings allowing 5 ERs on 8 hits and 5 BBs; however, seemingly to get the important outs when needed. Inspired by this performance, Milton rattled off 13 hits to maintain offensive pressure on the Brants . Veteran, Kevin Cooper led the squad with 3 hits and 4 RBIs, while James Bruce also hammered 3 hits and an RBI. The resurging Kevin Greer had a pair of hits and 2 RBIs and Dan Campos and Orion Katayama with RBI singles and Blake Kauer with a double and Steve Lauzon with a single rounded out the Milton attack.

An hour and a half later, the Red Sox travelled back to Lacasse Park in Tecumseh to take on one of the tournament favourites, the Windsor Stars, who were the winners of the Hap Walters Tournament two weeks earlier. With all pitchers exhausted, reliever Steve Jablonski started on the hill. Windsor struck for 2 runs in the first inning and 3 more in the 2nd to end Jablonski's day. But suddenly, the Red Sox took full advantage of Windsor pitching wildness and put up 5 solid hits to score 6 runs of their own in the bottom of the 2nd inning to lead 6-5. These were the first ERs that Windsor allowed in 4 games of Elim play. Enter Jeremy McDonald, and the Stars hit for 2 more runs with two out to lead 7-6. Ian Zettle came on for the fourth and Windsor added a couple more runs, to lead 9-6, only to see Milton rally again in their half of the 4th to tie the game at 9-9. The incessant hitting attack of the Stars ended Zettle's day in the 6th and with a pair of ERs, saddling Zettle with the loss. Josh Dos Santos had little luck stemming the Stars and amazingly, Liam Tennant had to enter to pitch the last 1 2/3 innings. Windsor was victorious 14-9.

Milton, who were out-hit 17-12 in the game, were led by Orion Katayama with 3 hits and 3 RBIs as well as DHer Kevin Greer with 3 hits and a pair of RBIs. Kevin Cooper with a pair of hits that included a double, Steve Lauzon and Dan Campos with RBI singles and James Bruce with a solid double, completed the recorded hitting. Blake Kauer, who caught every inning of the tournament, contributed an RBI as did 2B-man Donny Smith.

Milton's offense was led by 1st Baseman Kevin Cooper's 3 hits, while Kevin Greer and Steve Lauzon had a pair of hits and a RBI each. Donny Smith and James Bruce added a pair of hist apiece while Orion Katayama with an RBI single, and Liam Tennant with a single, completed the Milton offense. Adam Banski was credited with the Miss. SW win. Milton committed 3 errors to the Twin's single miscue.

In Game 1, the Cards surged ahead 4-0 on Jay Woodward's 3-run HR to right field in the 4th inning. Milton closed the gap to 4-3 in the 5th and blew the game open with 7 runs in the 6th to emerge as 10-4 winners. Ian Zettle, rounding back to his old self, went the 7-inning distance to earn the win, allowing 4 ERs on 8 hits and only one BB, while striking out 2 Cardinal batters. John Amendola had 2 hits for Erindale. Milton, who outhit Erindale 10-8, were led by Steve Lauzon with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, while Blake Kauer, Kevin Greer and Liam Tennant pounded out a pair of hits each and pushed across a run each. Donny Smith with a single and 2 RBIs and James Bruce with a 2-run single, completed the Milton attack. Milton was charged with a pair of errors and Erindale was perfect in the field.

Game 2 featured a classic pitching duel between Milton's young, improving, lefty, Jeremy McDonald and Erindale's rookie Brendan Fox. After 5 complete innings the score was 0-0. Erindale struck for the go-ahead run on Aaron Palmer's single to center in the top of the 6th, to be answered by the Red Sox with 5 runs of their own in their half of the 6th. The Cards scored their final run in the top of the 7th as Milton held on to win 5-2. Jeremy McDonald was outstanding on the mound for Milton, allowing just 2 ERs on 6 hits and 2 BBs while registering 9 Ks. Greg Dodwell had a double for the Cardinals. Each team recorded 6 hits with Donny Smith and Blake Kauer for the Sox driving in a pair of runs each with a double and single respectively. Liam Tennant with a double and Matty Lahn and Riaz Baksh with a single apiece rounded out the Milton offense. Fox was saddled with the loss. Erindale committed one error while Milton played errorless ball.

Friday night, Mike Morley of the Cards and Milton lefty, Jeremy McDonald, hooked up in a solid pitching duel. Erindale jumped ahead 2-0 after one inning and led 3-1 after 3. After 7 innings Milton had fought back to tie the game at 3-3 and just missed scoring the winning run at a close play at HP. Inspired by this great throw of Jay Woodward, the Cards cashed in on 3 straight hits by Chris Novia, Chris Willins and Greg Dodwell to go ahead 5-3 to stay. Dan Estey came on to register the Save. McDonald, who was saddled with the loss, pitched well over 8 complete innings although being touched for 9 hits, issuing 4 BBs and striking out 5.

Milton, who out-hit the Cardinals 10-9, were led by Donny Smith with 3 hits, Orion Katayama with 2 hits and an RBI and Kevin Cooper with a pair of hits. Riaz Baksh, James Bruce and Steve Lauzon added singles.

Veteran Ian Zettle led the way Saturday morning as the Red Sox managed only 6 hits off WAA pitching, but played errorless ball to record a 6-2 victory. Zettle allowed only 2 ERs on 3 hits and 2 BBs while striking out 3 batters. Liam Tennant led the Milton hitters with a pair of hits and an RBI. Donny Smith and Orion Katayama with a double and an RBI each, Jordan Windisch and Blake Kauer with singles and Matt Lahn with a pair of sac RBIs, comprised the Milton offense.

Game 3, played immediately after the WAA victory, was a total Newmarket affair as the drubbed the Red Sox 7-0. Starting pitcher, Dan Todoschuk, took the loss for Milton as he was touched for 5 ERs on 6 hits, 3 WPs and 2 BBs over the 4 innings that he worked. Steve Jablonski hurled a scoreless inning of relief; however Newmarket touched up Harry Gaudet for a pair of runs before Josh Dos Santos came on to record the last two outs of the inning. Milton managed only two hits off Newmarket lefty, Brad Crone, a double by Matty Lahn and a single by Orion Katayama.

Milton's Donny Smith had a 4 hit evening with 2 SBs and a pair of RBIs, while Liam Tennant had a pair of hits. Brendan O'Flynn and Riaz Baksh contributed singles. Chris Cooney was the winning pitcher allowing 3 ERs on 8 hits while striking out 5 Red Sox hitters. Milton committed 4 errors to Burlington's single miscue. 16 hits allowed, 9 walks, 4 errors, 3 WPs, 2HB, combined with sporadic hitting, is a certain receipe for a 13-3 drubbing.

Oakville out-hit Milton 20-14; however Milton have hitting with men in scoring position lately, and they have begun to put runs on the board. Matty Lahn, Milton's 'Baby Bomber', blasted two more HRs and 3 RBIs to lead the Red Sox. Kevin Cooper who seems at his best in hot, steamy, weather hammered 3 hits and produced a pair of RBIs. Steve Lauzon, Liam Tennant, Blake Kauer and Riaz Baksh all had a pair of hits and an RBI, with Baksh's single plating the winning run in the bottom of the 10th. Donny Smith with an RBI single, rounded out the Milton offense. Oakville's Alex Hawley ,who came in to relieve Gord Robertson and Andrew Kotulak, was saddled with the hard-luck loss.

Starter, Dan Todoschuk went three innings for Milton, surrendering 3 ERs on 5 hits, 2BBs and registered a pair of Ks. Steve Jablonski had a rough inning giving up another 3 runs on 4 hits, before Jeremy McDonald settled things down a bit over the next 3 innings giving up 2 ERs on 6 hits while striking out 4 batters. Justin Volpato 'vultured' the win by experiencing trouble with 2 out in the 8th as Oakville rallied to tie the game. Volpato was charged with one ER as a key Milton error factored into the rally. Brad Hill with four hits, Zach Dickson and Mike Modestino with 3 hits apiece, led the A's offense. Julian Richards and Conrad Bach also registered a pair of hits each.

Milton offense was also sporadic on the night; however, did rally to push across 4 runs in the 7th to close the 10-2 gap. Matty Lahn drove in a pair of runs with 2 hits, Brendan O'Flynn also with 2 hits drove in a run, and Orion Katayama also had two hits and a walk. Riaz Baksh recorded a 2-run single and Donny Smith punched out an RBI single. Justin Ayles was the winning pitcher as Brendan Ellingham, Noah Anderson and Will Jenkins appeared in relief for Niagara. Milton played error-less ball while the Metros committed one miscue.

Milton was led offensively by their 2 RBI main-stays, Matty Lahn and Jordan Windisch. Matt Lahn hit a monstrous grand slam HR in the 7th and 'Windy' drove in 3 runs, one in the 4th and a pair in the 9th to push the Sox ahead. Steve Lauzon also had a pair of hits and Blake Kauer and Orion Katayama had RBI singles apiece. Riaz Baksh hammered a double and Brandon Washkevich and Brendan O'Flynn contributed singles. The Cards committed 3 errors while the Red Sox played error-less ball on the night.

Saturday morning featured a great pitching duel between Milton's veteran, Ian Zettle, and Exeter's veteran, Dave Gosnell. Gosnell held Milton to 2 hits, singles to Windisch and Katayama, in recording a 1-0 victory. Zettle was equally up to the task scattering 8 hits, striking out a pair while walking none. Milton was only able to get 5 runners on base the entire game.

Game 3 was a game of changing momentum with Milton emerging as a 14-12 winner over their COBA MAJOR rivals, the Oakville A's. Justin Volpato started and endured a deadly combo of errors, poor relief pitching and wildness in and out of the strike-zone. At the end of 4 complete innings Oakville, led by long-range bomber, Jeff Jarockis with 2 monstrous HRs, were ahead comfortably by a 12-4 margin. Suddenly, the two aspects of the Red Sox game that struggled all week-end, relief pitching and offensive production, came to life. Milton pushed across 10 runs in the 5th to take a 14-12 lead, and veteran reliever, Steve Jablonski came on for the final 3 innings to shut the door and earn the victory. He allowed 2 hits and walked one; however, he was around the strike-zone for the entire outing.

Offensively, Matt Lahn's 2 doubles drove in 3 runs. Jordan Windisch with a key pinch-hit in the 5th drove in the two winning runs. Orion Katayama stayed red-hot with 3 key singles and catcher Liam Tennant blasted 3 solid singles as well. Brandon Washkevich with a single and 2 RBIs, James Bruce with an RBI single,and Brendan O'Flynn with a solid single, rounded out the Red Sox attack. A game of momentum changes, indeed, left both side completely drained, but out of the championship running for Sunday.

Milton was led at the plate by Matty Lahn with a double, HR and a pair of RBIs. Riaz Baksh and catcher Blake Kauer pounded out a double and single apiece. Dan Campos with a double, Kevin Cooper and Brendan O'Flynn with singles and newly acquired Brandon Washkevitch rounded out the attack with singles each. Orion Katayama had two RBIs as well. Milton commited a pair of errors while Brampton played error-less ball.

Offensively, Milton out-hit Brampton 9-7 with Kevin Cooper leading the way with three hits. Steve Lauzon with a pair of hits and two RBIs, Brendan O'Flynn with a pair of hits and Donny Smith and Kevin Greer with singles each, comprised the Milton scoring. Veteran Joey Nonis was the Brampton WP and each team made 2 errors on the night.

Offensively, for the Red Sox, 2nd baseman Donny Smith had a 5/5 night with Orion Katayama, Brendan O'Flynn and Steve Lauzon recording singles. Matty Lahn contributed and RBI single, and Kevin Cooper recorded an RBI. Milton out-hit Etobicoke 9-8. but out-errored the Rangers 5-3.

Game 1 featured a 6 inning pitching duel between Milton's veteran hurler, Justin Volpato and the Twins Billy Martin and Paul Mckenna. Volpato left after 6 trailing 2-1 surrendering only one ER on 6 hits while striking out 3 batters. After a heated call at home plate which would have tied the contest, the Red Sox relief crew coughed up 5 ERs on 5 hits and 2 walks putting the game out of reach. Brendan Emmett, Sean Bignall and Chris Piccini each recorded two hits for the Twins. Milton , who was out-hit 11-4 was led by Brendan O'Flynn with an RBI single and Orion Katayama ,Matty Lahn and Riaz Baksh with singles each. McKenna recorded the win and Volpato suffered the loss. Milton committed one error and Mississauga played errorless ball.

Game 2 again featured the pitchers - Lefty Jeremy McDonald for the Red Sox and Eric Ventura for the Twins. Milton carried a first inning run into the 6th and McDonald ended with a strong 5 inning performance allowing just one ER on 5 hits, 4 BBs and 3Ks. Rookie lefty Dan Todoschuk came on to induce two ground-balls; however, the Twins used their speed to stay out of DPs and surged ahead 2-1 with Milton coming to bat in the bottom of the 6th. But, suddenly, Matty Lahn with a lead-off single, rookie Riaz Baksh with a booming double and veteran Jordan Windisch with a single, vaulted the Red Sox ahead 3-2. Matty Lahn came on to close the game on the mound hurling a 1-2 -3 7th inning striking out one to record the Save. "Todo" Todoschuk was credited with his 2nd win in two outings. Kyle Porter, in relief of Ventura, suffered the loss. Both teams had 5 hits with Riaz Baksh leading Milton with 2 doubles and an RBI, Matty Lahn with two hits and an RBI and Jordan Windisch with an RBI single. Mississauga had 5 hitters with singles each. Each team had one error.

For the Red Sox, Liam Tennant threw a strong 7 innings allowing 4 ERs. on 8 hits, 4 BBs and a pair of Ks, keeping the Sox, who stranded 11 runners, in the game. Steve Jablonski was saddled with the loss in relief as a lead- off walk came home to score. Otherwise, he threw hard having recently recovered from an arm injury. Metros committed 3 errors to the Red Sox one.

Both teams had 11 hits on the night. The Red Sox once again counted on Riaz Baksh, as he produced 2 hits and an RBI, as well as Orion Katayama with 2 hits and an RBI and Matty Lahn, and Donny Smith had a pair of hits each. Brendan O'Flynn legged out a double and drove in a run, Jordan Windisch hammered an RBI single, and rookie catcher Blake Kauer, who worked hard behind the plate, completed the offense with a single. Brampton's hard- throwing Joe Ferreira took the loss. Milton made 3 costly errors to Brampton's 4 on the night.

Offensively, the Red Sox had 9 hits on the night; however, they were baffled for half the game by veteran A's hurler, Gord Robertson, returning this year after resting an injured arm last season and producing a stellar effort during the innings he worked. Riaz Baksh, Brendan O'Flynn and Donny Smith had a pair of hits apiece for Milton with Smith and Baksh contributing key RBIs. Captain Steve Lauzon pounded a double and Jordan Windisch and Blake Kauer contributed singles. Milton had a pair of errors on the night and Oakville played errorless ball.

The semi-revived Red Sox are now off until a week this Wednesday night when the take on the Brampton Royals at MSC. First pitch is 7:30pm.

Milton pitchers, as did those from Brampton, struggled with control in and out of the strike zone all night long. Matt Lahn was saddled with the loss in relief of Ian Zettle, Harry Gaudet and Blake Kauer who preceded. Steve Jaskowski came on to get the final out of the 8th.

Milton returns to action to take on Burlington at the MSC at 1:30pm this Saturday. The team would like to thank all those teams that reached out to James Bruce, severely injured in Wednesday night's game. The full extent of his facial damage still needs to await the swelling to recede and all of the COBA Major AAA League is hoping for the best for Milton's gutsy CFer.

Etobicoke took advantage of sloppy Milton infield play scoring 3 unearned runs in the first two innings. Milton stuck back in the third with a booming 3 - run HR by Matty Lahn recently returned from the Erie Kats. Etobicoke surged ahead again in the 4th with 3 more runs, another being again, unearned. But once again, in the Milton 5th, Jordan Windisch hammered another 3-run HR over the right field fence to tie the game. Matt Lahn was leading the Red Sox after 5 innings with two hits and A.J. Iafrate and Cal Murphy led the Rangers with 3 hits and 2 hit respectively when play was suspended..

Gary Rose, one of 4 Etobicoke pitchers, earned the win as they held Milton to a paltry 3 hits. One bright spot was rookie SS Riaz Baksh, who had two hits, a double and a single and 2 RBIs. Liam Tennant also contributed an RBI single.

Billy Hurley earned the victory holding the Red Sox to just 4 hits. Rookie, Riaz Baksh, had a booming double, Dan Campos registered an RBI single, and Donny Smith and James Bruce had singles apiece. Despite the lop-sided score, Milton did not quit, and played excellently defensively throughout the game making outstanding OF plays by Steve Lauzon and James Bruce. Milton made 0 errors to the Twin's one miscue.

Both teams had 8 hits, and Milton made 2 key errors to Burlington's one. Steve Lauzon and Jordan Windisch had a pair of hits apiece for Milton, and veteran, Kevin Cooper hit a solo HR in the 9th. Orion Katayama with an RBI single and Kyyle McClean and Donny Smith with singles eac,h comprised the Milton offense. Ageless veteran Steve Grilli had 2 hits for the Brants.

Trevor Windjetts was the WP for Burlington. Milton used 4 pitchers on the night. Veteran Ian Zettle was outstanding in his 4-inning stint , surrendering an UER, on 2 hits while striking out one and issuing 0 BBs. Justin Volpato, who was saddled with the loss, surrendered 2 ERs on 5 hits over 2 innings, while rookie Harry Gaudet had a 1-2-3 7th inning. Josh Dos Santos was touched for 3 runs - 2 UE - combining a BB, WP, a H and an Error, before he righted himself remarkably, striking out the last two Brant hitters to stifle the rally.

Batting cages, soft toss areas, a free-weights and running machine section, pitching mounds and an infield area, are all part of the facilities.

The COBA 'AAA' Major is an all 'AAA" Senior baseball league and one of the best in the province. Combining experienced veterans, both IBL and COBA Major AAA, with a steady stream of OUA players as well players at school in the USA, and local and imported Jr. graduates. Each year, the Milton Red Sox are perennial league playoff challengers, last winning the Playoff Finals in 2011 while being finalists in 2012.. The league schedule is 28 games, and combined with anywhere from 2-3 tournaments, the Elimination Tournament in Windsor this year, as well as a double- knock-out tournament at the end of the league schedule to determine the league champion, teams in the 'AAA' COBA MAJOR play anywhere between 40-48 games per summer. It is a league for the serious-minded athlete who wants to maintain playing very competitive baseball during the summer months.. Milton also plays out of the beautiful new Milton Sport's Center Complex with one of the best parks in COBA Senior baseball. The Hap Walters Tournament as well as our league playoffs are hosted at the Milton Sports Center.

Directions to PPA: 401 to Hanlon Pkwy (one cutoff west of #6 Hwy. - north to Paisley St. cutoff - exit rt. on Paisley and head east for 2 stoplights to Alma St. - rt. on Alma south for a few blocks to RR tracks - in middle of tracks is Crimea St. to the left. Peak Performance Athletics is on the immediate right - likely the only building lit in the area. (519-515-0140)

Sunday's game was a tremendous pitching duel by Brampton's young Joe Ferreira and the vastly improved Red Sox starter, Justin Volpato. Ferreira surrendered just 2 hits and Volpato kept pace with allowing only 6 singles. The game was played in 1 hr and 20 minutes. Liam Tennant with a single and walk , and Craig Howse with a single, provided the only Milton offense. Defensively the Red Sox played error-less baseball and Volpato was brilliant on the hill allowing just 6 hits, walking one and striking out 3, while using his great pick-off move to cut short a Brampton rally in the 3rd inning.

Saturday was a raucous affair with emotions rising and falling like ocean tides. Milton led Erindale 6-4 after 5 innings; however, a bases-clearing double by Geoff Cullen, rocketed the Cards into a 7-6 lead. Despite the reversal, Milton, batting in the 7th inning and trailing by two, loaded the bases and the reliever, Lukas was struggling for control. But, Cullen's veteran savvy came through again at 1B, as he called for a pick-off from the catcher that caught the Milton pinch- runner unexplainedly napping and ended the game. Milton had 7 hits in the contest, led by Brian Hunter with a single, double and 3 RBIs. Chris Pittaway hit a 3-run HR, and Dan Campos, Don Smith, Craig Howse and Steve Lauzon added singles. Defensively, veteran Ian Zettle on this particular day was unable to hold back Erindale as they tagged him for 14 hits. Jon Amendola with a 3-run HR and Geoff Cullen with a 3-run double were the dramatic blows; however, lead-off batters, Frankie Coccia and Johnny DeWolfe with 3 hits apiece set the table every inning. Jay Woodford also hammered out 3 hits. Jeremy McDonald threw a scoreless 7th for Milton striking out a pair of batters.

Immediately afterwards, the Red Sox took on the Oakville A's and were tied at 3-3 after 5 innings. Milton went ahead by one in the 6th but Oakville tied it in the 7th. Oakville pushed a key run across in the 8th, and Brian Hunter's dramatic 2-run HR following Liam Tennant's single in the bottom of the 8th, gave Milton the walk-off victory. P> Milton outhit Oakville 9-8 , with Hunter the star of the game with a 3-3 performance and 2 RBIs. Adam Chong with 2 key singles, Dan Campos with a single and 2 RBIs and Steve Lauzon with an RBI single rounded out the Milton offense. Veteran starter Tyler Wilson went 6 innings and allowed only one ER on 6 hits and 2 BBs. Reliever, Jeremy McDonald came in again earning the win by Hunter's HR. McDonald surrendered 2 ERs on 2 hits and 2 BBs. Milton made one key error in the 4th that indirectly led to 2 runs. Kyle Fisher was saddled with the loss for Oakville although he pitched very well throughout the game.

Offensively, Milton took full advantage of 6 Cardinal BBs and were led by veteran, Liam Tennant, who has admirably stepped into the void caused by Kevin Greer's disastrous leg injury, and pounded out 3 hits and 2 RBIs last night. Jordan 'Windy' Windisch regained his batting touch with a 2-run HR and a single, and ageless Steve Lauzon drove in a run with 2 singles, and rookie Danny Campos had another 2-hit night and Donny Smith had a single and double and stole a pair of bases. Craig Howse and Matty Lahn went hitless, but, opportunistically drove in 3 and 2 runs respectively. Sean Mathe' and Adam Chong each recorded singles. Mike Morley, injured in the 1st inning was saddled with the loss. The Red Sox outhit the Cards 13-5 on this particular night. Both teams, dodging the oncoming rain, played error-less ball.

Inspired by veteran Tyler Wilson on the mound, the wily righty kept the Metro hitters off-balance all night surrendering 5 ERs, while scattering 9 hits, walking 2 and striking out 3 batters over the 8 innings he worked for the win. Matty Lahn hurled the 9th and worked his way around 3 BBs to quell a Metro late-game rally. Ricky Ferri and Dave Davidson led Niagara with a pair of hits apiece and Jon Paul launched a 2-run HR in the 8th.

Milton's 16-hit attack was led by Chris Pittaway with three hits including a double and 3 RBIs, Donny Smith with 3 hits and 2 RBIs and James Bruce with 3 hits and an RBI. Liam Tennant joined in with a pair of hits including a double and 2 RBIs and Craig Howse had 2 hits, a walk and scored 3 runs. Matty Lahn with an RBI double and Steve Lauzon and Dan Campos with a single and an RBI rounded out the barrage. Milton took full advantage of 6 Metro walks and 3 Metro errors while committing one error themselves. AJ Clark was saddled with the loss.

Milton is right back at it Saturday when they take on the Elimination finalist, Mississauga SW Twins, in a DHer at the Milton Community Center. Game 1 begins at 12:00 pm

Milton starter Ian Zettle went the distance on the mound earning the win as he surrendered 4 ERs, on 6 hits while striking out 6 and walking one Brant hitter. Rob Spilak had 3 hits for Burlington including a 2-run HR, and Cam Ryerson contributed a double and a single. Both teams played error-less baseball.

Game 2 was a more evenly played game with the score tied at two after 2 innings and at three after 4 innings. The Red Sox surged ahead 5-3 in the 5th and 8-3 in the 6th. Burlington narrowed the gap to 8-5 after 6 and both teams pushed a run across in the 7th as the game ended 9-6 in Milton's favour. The Sox out-hit the Brants 11-9 led by Brian Hunter with 3 hits, including 2 doubles and 3 RBIs, Steve Lauzon with 3 hits with a double and 3 RBIs and Kevin Greer also with 3 hits as he blasted 2 doubles and registered pair of RBIs. Donny Smith with a single and 2 stolen bases and Matty Lahn with a single rounded out the Milton Game 2 offense. Ryan Colling took the loss for Burlington.

Tyler Wilson earned the win in relief of Jeremy McDonald, working 6 innings and allowing 4 ERs on 8 hits while striking out 3 Brants. Manager Rick Ellis, Kevin Walsh and Corrie Morrison each had a pair of hits for the Burlington squad. Milton committed 3 errors and Burlington two. Perhaps the story of the entire day was Milton, without a catcher present, turned to coach Mike 'Stain' Austen who volunteered his services. Mike was outstanding handling the Milton pitchers and even laid a suicide bunt down perfectly in Game 2. He ended up with a pair of RBIs on the day. He undoubtedly will be sore tomorrow.

The East York game Friday night defined the the grittiness of the Milton team this weekend. Trailing 3-0 after 3 innings, the Sox exploded to tie the game on a mammoth 3-run HR by Sean Mathe', recently returned to Milton where he was an integral part of the Red Sox fortunes for many years . However, a costly error in the 4th gave East York the lead once again 5-3 courtesy 2 UERs. Then, disaster loomed in the top of the 7th when Milton, forced to go to their bullpen, surrendered another 4 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Looking at a 9-3 deficit in the last of the 7th, the Red Sox didn't cave in, but struck for 3 more runs on HRs. from rookie Matty Lahn and Kevin Greer. Milton was outhit 11-5 on the night as they could not take advantage of 13 BBs issued. Wiley Jack Malone bobbed and weaved on the hill for East York earning the win as he threw a complete game. Mathe' with a 3-run HR, Lahn with a 2-run shot, Greer with a solo blast and Donny Smith and James Bruce with singles rounded out the offense for Milton. Justin Volpato threw 6 innings and deserved a better fate. Only one of the 5 runs scored were earned and he struck out 2 while issuing 0 BBs. Scott McTrach and Ryan Wagler had a tough relief outing combined in the 7th inning, as McTrach was touched for 3 ERs and Wagler one. Milton committed 3 costly errors on the night.

Saturday was a new day and the Red Sox came out hitting early against Exeter scoring 4 runs in the 2nd inning,one in the 5th and a pair in the 6th. Ian Zettle was in complete control for 6 1/3 innings holding the Exeter veteran hitters to 2 hits while striking out a pair and earning the win. An unexpected short circuit in the 7th with the bases loaded courtesy 2 walks and a HB, saw veteran Liam Tennant make his return to the mound after a year absence and' LT' ended the threat with 3 pitches. Offensively, Milton pounded out 12 hits as rookie Dan Campos led the way with a single, double and 2 RBIs, Kevin Greer with 2 hits including an RBI double, Steve Lauzon and Matty Lahn with a pair of hits and an RBI, as well as Chris Pittaway with a pair of hits followed suit. Kevin Cooper added an RBI single and James Bruce singled as well and stole a base.

Milton came out swinging again against a sadly short- handed, or more aptly 'pillaged' Lakeside Lizards team, that was always a formidable foe in this great tournament. Tyler Wilson went the 5 inning distance to gain the victory allowing 4 hits, 0 ERs, 2 BBs and striking out 3 batters in a very work-manlike performance. Chris Pittaway broke out for 3 hits and 3 RBIs, Matty Lahn continued to pound the ball with a pair of hits and 4 RBIs and Kevin Greer hit a double and single and drove in a run. James Bruce had 3 RBIs on a double and Dan Campos and Craig Howse had RBI singles. Jordan Windisch crashed a double and Steve Lauzon and Sean Mathe' contributed singles.

Thanks to Al 'Gator' Gates for arranging such a competitive tournament this year. The weather was excellent and the games were exciting. Hang in ther Gator, things will come full circle for you and the Lizards.

The Red Sox are sure to benefit in July and August from the three main additions they have made to their roster in the last few weeks. Sean Mathe' will bring experience and leadership as another catcher and a RHB presence to the line-up. Hard-throwing rookie LHP, Jeremy McDonald will inject some youth into the Milton starting rotation, and Liam Tennant, a mainstay of the Red Sox winning years, will add further experience on the mound and in the infield for the young Red Sox, once he has a few weeks of baseball conditioning to get his arm back into shape.

Offensively, veteran Steve Lauzon led Milton with 2 hits, while Kevin Greer with a 2- run double, Donny Smith with an RBI double,and James Bruce and Matty Lahn with singles accounted for Milton's 6 hits on the day. Oakville was held to 5 hits with veteran Jeff Jarockis hammering a pair of singles to lead the way. Milton played error-less ball while Oakville was charged with a pair of errors.

Friday night, Bolton struck for a first inning 1-0 lead before the Red Sox exploded with 2 HRs. in the 2nd - a solo shot from rookie Matty Lahn and a 3-run blast from grizzled veteran Steve Lauzon to lead 4-1. Three more runs in the 4th and another in the fifth solidified an 8-2 win. Tyler Wilson went 6 innings to gain the Win, allowing 2 ERs on 4 hits while walking a pair. Josh Dos Santos threw a scoreless, hitless 7th. Offensively, Milton who out-hit Bolton 9-4, were led by James Bruce and Jordan Windisch with 2 hits and an RBI apiece and Chris Pittaway with a double and single. Bruce laced an exciting triple in the 2nd. Matty Lahn and Steve Lauzon with HRs and Donny Smith with a 2-run double, rounded out the hitting. Each team had one error in the game.

On Saturday, Milton's Ian Zettle battle Thornhill for 4 1/2 innings, but trailed 3-1 into the bottom of the 5th before the Red Sox exploded for 6 runs in the 5th and 3 more in the 6th to win going away 10-4. Zetts recorded the win surrendering 3 ERs on 7 hits while striking out 3. Exciting rookie lefty Jeremy McDonald was impressive again throwing the final two innings, giving up an UER on one hit one BB while striking out two Thornhill batters. Offensively, it was break-out day for veteran Kevin Cooper as he drove in 5 RBIs with a 3-run HR and a two-run single. Kevin Greer with 2 hits including a double, Craig Howse and Adam Aube' also with two hits apiece and Matty Lahn with a 2- run single, Chris Pittaway with an RBI single and Donny Smith with a single rounded out the 11-hit Milton attack. Each team had a pair of errors in the game.

Early Sunday morning, Milton battled Pickering in the Division - A Semi-finals for three innings to a scoreless draw. However, Pickering struck for 5 runs on 6 straight hits in the 4th, added 3 more in the 6th and a pair in the 7th. The Red Sox woke up a bit in the 6th when they scored 3 runs; however, it was too little, too late for Milton who couldn't seem to solve the Pickering pitcher who kept them off balance all day. Justin Volpato took the loss being tagged for 5 ERs on 7 hits - many of the 'seeing- eye' variety. Josh Dos Santos was touched for 3 more ERs on 3 hits and Scott McTrach gave up 2 ERs on 2 hits and a walk. Ryan Wagler and Justin Newbold each threw a scoreless 3rd of an inning in the 6th. Milton only had 6 hits in the game; however, Jordan Windisch had a 3 for 3 performance that included a pair of doubles and a BB. Kevin Greer pounded out a pair of single and Craig Howse broke`the goose-egg` with a solo HR blast in the 6th. Each team had an error in the game.

Milton used 7 pitchers on the night in preparation for the Tillsonburg Tounament this weekend, Scotty McTrach hurled the first 2 innings allowing a pair of ERs on 2 hits and a BB, Josh Dos Santos had another outstanding outing allowing one hit in 2 innings, Justin Volpato, a scoreless one-hit inning and Ryan Wagler a scoreless inning battling out of a 2-walk jam . Adam Aube', toeing the rubber for the first time in many years, allowed an ER on 2 hits; but, showed signs of previous experience on the hill, a valuable commodity for the Red Sox. Milton also introduced newly acquired LHP , Jeremy McDonald who mowed down 2 of the Metro hitters in the one inning he worked. James Bruce hurled the 9th when the RO occurred and was tagged for 2 ERs, 2 hits and 2 BBs. Rikky Ferri with 3 hits and Evan Baglieri with a pair led the Niagara attack. The Metros played error-less ball while Milton made 2 errors.

Starter Ian Zettle worked 5 innings surrendering 4 ERs on 6 hits - many perfectly placed and of the 'seeing eye' variety, while striking out 4 Cardinal batters. Scott McTrach was credited with the win with another stellar relief performance allowing just one ER on 4 hits while walking none. Veteran Hall of Famer, Frankie Coccia, continued to pester Milton, leading the 'Red Machine' with 3 hits, while Jay Woodward, Aaron Palmer and Aneil 'Tiny' Birsa all had 2 hits apiece. Milton had 2 errors in the game, while Erindale had 3.

Game 2 had an entirely different scenario. First inning wildness by Erindale starter, Zach Laurin, helped push Milton into an early 6-0 lead. Starter Tyler Wilson held the Cards scoreless and hitless for 5 innings before wildness set in - 3 HBs, a WP and 2 BBs - , and Ryan Wagler came on in relief. Wagler also had problems stemming the Erindale comeback attempt as he allowed 4 straight hits that led to 3 ERs. Young Josh 'Little Dos' Dos Santos came on in spectacular fashion to take on the Cards big hitters, holding them scoreless for 2 innings of relief work, giving up just one hit, striking out 2 and walking only one batter. Erindale's Frankie Coccia again had a pair of hits and Aaron Palmer blasted a 3-run double in the 6th.

The Red Sox who outhit the Cards 7-5, were led by Kevin Greer with a pair of hits including an RBI double. James Bruce with a single, a pair of BBs and 2 RBIs, Chris Pittaway with a solo HR in the 2nd, Adam Chong with a booming double, Dan Campos with an RBI single, and Donny Smith also with a single, comprised Milton's offense in this 7-3 victory. Erindale's Zach Laurin took the loss; however, Andrew Mullin and Ian Bala threw 4 innings of scoreless relief. Each team had an error in the game.

For Milton, Ryan Wagler made his first start of the year, and although struggling at time for control, held the Brants to just 2 ERs in the 4 innings he worked giving up 5 hits and 5 BB , Justin Newbold went 1 1/3 giving up 2 ERs on 6 hits, Cal Coleman, returning from a year-long injury re-hab, was touched for an ER on 2 hits, and Scott 'Little Skip' McTrach, although registering the loss, dominated the 3 2/3 innings he threw giving up 0 ERs on 2 hits and 2 BBs. As can be readily seen, Milton gave 6 URS to the grateful Brants on 4 errors, 8 BBs and 2 HBs. For the Brants; however, Trevor Woodjetts and Kyle Abruthnott had 3 hits each, Cam Ryerson hit a 3 -run HR and Kevin Walsh, Cole Lewis, Brock Marshall and R. Andrews had 2 hits apiece.

Batting cages, soft toss areas, a free-weights and running machine section, pitching mounds and an infield area, are all part of the facilities.

The COBA 'AAA' Major is an all 'AAA" league and one of the best in the province. Combining experienced veterans with a steady stream of local and import Jr. graduates each year, the Milton Red Sox are perennial league title challengers, last winning the Playoff Finals in 2011. The league schedule is 28 games, and combined with anywhere from 2-3 tournaments, the Elimination Tournament in Windsor this year, as well as a double- knock-out tournament at the end of the league schedule to determine the league champion, teams in the 'AAA' COBA MAJOR play anywhere between 40-48 games per summer. It is a league for the serious-minded athlete who is 'baseball addicted'.

Milton also plays out of the beautiful new Milton Sport's Center Complex with one of the best parks in COBA Senior baseball. The Hap Walters Tournament as well as our league playoffs are hosted at the Milton Sports Center.

Directions to PPA: 401 to Hanlon Pkwy (one cutoff west of #6 Hwy. - north to Paisley St. cutoff - exit rt. on Paisley and head east for 2 stoplights to Alma St. - rt. on Alma south for a few blocks to RR tracks - in middle of tracks is Crimea St. to the left. Peak Performance Athletics is on the immediate right - likely the only building lit in the area. (519-515-0140)

One of the highlights of the night was the induction of veteran Ian Zettle to the COBA MAJOR Hall of Fame. 'Zetts' is the first Milton player in the modern era - 2000-2013 - to be awarded this status. 12 full seasons, 80 wins, and an astonishing 74 inning average over this time period, is commendable. He currently sits at a life-time 3.80 ERA and doesn't plan on retiring any time soon.

Chris Pittaway won the Billy Graham Iron-Man Award presented to the player who improved the most from 2012 season while maintaining a high level of play, combined with participating in a significant number of games throughout the season. Playing in 40/44 games, hitting .324 and leading the Red Sox in RBIs with 34, despite switching positions from C to 3B this season, cast 'Pittsy' as the obvious winner.

SS Kevin Greer also placed 2nd in the Sportsmanship Award, and three Red Sox were placed on the Ken Johnson Division All Star team: Chris Pitaway at 3B - Kevin Greer at SS - and James Bruce in CF.

Next up was the Etobicoke Rangers who had their way from the outset with Red Sox pitching and carved out a 9 -3 lead after 3 innings. Starter Tyler Wilson and Adam Lentz were roughed up together for 8 hits and 4 BBs. The Rangers added a 10th run in the 5th before Milton caught fire in the 6th and scored 7 runs to tie the game. Reliever, Justin Volpato, settled things down for the Red Sox for 3 innings: however, a one-out single by Jeff Altpeter, with runners on 1st and 2nd in the bottom of the 7th, sank the Sox. Adam Aubie, with 3 hits including a pair of doubles and 4 RBIs, and Brian Hunter with 3 hits that included 2 doubles and an RBI, led the way. Surprisingly, rookie pitcher Ryan 'Wags' Wagler, forced in to action early in the game to replace an injured Craig Howse, had 2 singles, 2 RBIs and a pair of walks. Donnie Smith, James Bruce and Adam Chong each contributed single to the 10-hit attack. Etobicoke, who outhit Milton 11-10, the same as the winning score, saw Ryan Panas, Kyle Clancy, Pip Murray-Smith each pound out 2 hits.

Congratulations to Mark Walters and Kerry Heddon and their Niagara Metros for winning the Playoff Championship finals over the Etobicoke Rangers. They are certainly worthy champions and represent our COBA MAJOR League in fine style.

Saturday afternoon, veteran hurler Ian Zettle got off to a shaky start before righting himself to go the 7 inning distance for a come-from -behind 5-3 Milton victory. The Brants led 3-2 after 4 innings before Milton surged ahead on a 3- run 5th. ' Zetts' scattered 11 hits while striking out 6 and walking none. For the Brants, who outhit the Sox 11-6, Trevor Woodjets, Cavin Bratton, Andrew Pierce, Paul Saville and Rob Birtles each recorded 2 hits. Milton were led by Donnie Smith and Chris Pittaway with 2 hits apiece. Pittaway also had a double and a pair of RBIs. Kevin Cooper with an RBI single and Craig Howse with a double, added to the offence. C. J Cabrero was tagged with the loss.

Sunday morning against the Niagara Metros, Milton wasted a solid 7-inning pitching performance from Ty Wilson to end up 3-1 losers. 3 unearned runs from two throwing errors in the 2nd inning pushed the Metros into a lead that they held for the entire game. Wilson limited Niagara to 4 hits - singles by Evan Baglieri, Andrew Sorochan, Chris Pickles and Marshall McDougall ; however, Geoff Strong held the Sox to 3 hits with a strong pitching performance as well, recording 4 Ks. Adam Aubie with a double, Jordan Windisch with an RBI single and Adam Chong with a single was all the offence Milton could muster.

Milton then took on their perennial rivals, the Glanbrook Grizzlies, and all hell broke loose as the home squad hung on to edge the Grizz 15-14. Solid pitching did not seem to be a prerequisite for either team as hits, walks, hit batters and errors all were thrown into the mix in this scorer's nightmare. Milton out-hit Glanbrook 14-13 as James Bruce and Adam Chong led the way with 3 hits each and a pair of RBIs apiece. Bruce's production included a triple. Jordan Windisch had 2 hits and 2 RBIs and Donnie Smith and Kevin Greer had 2 hits and an RBI each. Chris Pittaway with a 2-RBI single and Adam Aubie with an RBI single, rounded out the hit parade. The Grizz were led by Andrew Page's pair of 2- run HRs and a single as well as Brock Marshall's 2 singles and a double. Tim Sogan and Jamie Kozak registered a pair of hits each as well. Milton recovered from trailing 7-2, only to squander a 4 run and a 3-run lead in the late innings. The coaches sent almost everyone to the mound to attempt to record outs. Adam Lentz started and was nicked for 5 runs, Tyler Wilson for 2, Justin Volpato for 5, Ryan Wagler, the recorded winner, for 2, and Scott McTrach came on to record the final out for the save. Amazingly, Glanbrook was tapped out pitcher-wise and Jamie Kozak had to gut out the entire 6 innings of this strange emotional roller- coaster game.

Friday night, Veteran Ian Zettle took charge of the game vs. Vaughan and hurled a complete 7-inning game allowing 3 ERs while scattering 11 hits and striking out 6 en route to a 7-3 victory. The Red Sox took full advantage of 5 BBs, 4 WPs and 2 PBs as well as 6 hits of their own - two by Jordan Windisch and singles by Kevin Greer, Craig Howse, Adam Aubie and Kevin Cooper.

Perhaps accustomed to gift runs Friday night, the offense failed to take advantage of 7 BBs Saturday morning vs, Strathroy and managed only an anaemic 3 hits. Kevin Greer with a pair of hits, including a double, and Kevin Cooper with a single, provided all the offense. Despite the frustration of leaving the bases loaded twice in the game , the Sox went into the 6th trailing just 3-2; however, Strathroy took advantage of a tiring Tyler Wilson on the mound and struck for 4 runs in the 6th. Wilson was tagged with the loss allowing 12 hits while striking out 5 and walking none. Justin Volpato came on in relief to get the last out in the 6th inning. Milton struck out 7 times and had ten runners LOB.

Next up was the Oakville A's at 6:00pm on Saturday in St. Thomas's Emslie Field, and Oakville put the game out of reach early. Scott McTrach suffered the loss as he was tagged for all 6 runs on 7 hits over the first 2 innings. He was the victim of some very bad luck as a few shallow 'loopers' over the infield helped to set up some solid Oakville blasts - one a 2-run HR by Marc Walton. Justin Volpato came on to hurl a scoreless 3 innings surrendering just one hit, and Adam Lentz carried on with a hitless, scoreless last two innings.

Offensively, the Red Sox managed only 5 hits off Josh Spagnoletti however, they did hit the ball hard all night. Adam Aubie had a single , double and a HR with his new bat, Chris Pittaway with a double, and Kevin Greer with a single, were the only hits recorded.

Milton's pitching, led by Scott 'Little Skip' McTrach, held the hard-hittng Glanbrook squad to 8 hits. McTrach allowed just one ER in the 5 innings he pitched, surrendering 4 hits, one walk and striking out 2 batters. Ryan 'Wags' Wagler threw 2 innings and was touched for a pair of ERs on 3 hits and 2 BBs and veteran Ian Zettle threw a scoreless 8th and 9th allowing just one hit. Glanbrook's Chris Spiak led the Griz with 3 hits on the night.

Tyler Wilson earned the win with a 5-inning two-hit performance striking out 3 and walking none. Scott McTrach threw a couple of innings and Ryan Wagler a single inning. An oddity of this game was that all five BattleCat runs were unearned due to sloppy defensive play by the local nine as they booted the ball around for 7 errors on the afternoon - the only negative in the one-sided victory. Kyle Hampson made his debut behind the plate for Milton and called an impressive game for all three hurlers.

Milton pitching held Burlington to 8 hits and 2ERs as Veteran Ian Zettle took a few innings to settle in on his way to a solid 6-inning performance allowing just one ER on 6 hits, 3 BBs and 6 Ks. Justin Volpatp came on in relief to hurl 2 scoreless innings while newcomer, Adam Lentz threw the 9th allowing an ER on 2 hits and 2 BBs while striking out a pair. Travis Flint and Cavin Bratton had two hits apiece for the Brants.

Friday night, the Red Sox 's defence and pitching struggled and yet, with only 8 hits on the night, the Red Sox did manage to fight back three separate times to tie the game. 4 costly errors didn't help the cause any. Justin Volpato was tagged with the loss as he surrendered 5 ERs on 8 hits, one walk and 3 HBs. Ty Wilson and Ryan Wagler each saw relief action. Offensively Craig Howse and Kevin Greer had 2 hits apiece and an RBI while Chris Pittaaway blasted an RBI double, Donnie Smith doubled, and Jordan Windisch , Steve Lauzon and Adam Chong contributed singles.

Saturday morning saw the Red Sox come out strong to take a 2-1 lead against an excellent young Tecumseh Jr. team heading into the 6th inning. However, the pitching faltered suddenly as Tecumseh put together 4 straight hits to take a 5-2 lead which they never relinquished. Scott McTrach took the loss after surrendering 5 ERs on 7 hits. A solid 5 inning performance by the young right-hander was offset by the Tecumseh uprising. Jake Tougas pitched the last 1 1\3 inning of the game. Offensively, Milton, out-hitting Tecumseh 9-7, were led by Jordan 'Windy' Windisch with 3 hits including a double and an RBI and Craig Howse with a pair including a double. Donnie Smith with 2 singles, Kevin Greer with an RBI single and Steve Lauzon with a single, rounded out the Milton offense.

Saturday afternoon saw Milton regain their confident form as the overcame a 2-0 first inning setback to rally to club Riverside 12-3 in Byron. Milton struck for 15 hits with Craig Howse and Kevin Greer setting the tone, as Howse lashed out with a 3- run HR and 4 RBIs, and Greer pounded 2 doubles and a pair of RBIs. Donnie Smith with 2 hits, 2 SBs and 2 RBIs, James Bruce with a pair of hits including a double, SB and an RBI, Chris Pittaway with a double, single and RBI and Steve Lauzon with a pair of singles kept up the attack. Jordan Windisch also singled. Veteran Red Sox, Tyler Wilson, earned the win with 5 innings of work allowing 2 ERs on 5 hits while walking none. Youngsters Josh Dos Santos and Ryan Wagler kept showing their steady improvement as they each threw a scoreless inning of relief.

Thanks to all the players from the Red Sox who took the time and effort to attend this fun tournament. Thanks also to Al "Gator' Gates and his Lakeside guys for hosting another fine tournament. Weather did cause some problems Sunday and the final tournament results were not know at this publication.

Milton's Scott 'Little Skip' McTrach was selected as the winning pitcher after a 2 inning, scoreless relief stint amidst 5 Milton hurlers who saw action last night. Justin Volpato started and went a dominating 1st two innings keeping the high-scoring Niagara squad off the board and the rapidly improving rookie, Ryan 'Wags' Wagler also impressed over his two-inning stint despite being touched for an ER on 2 hits and 2 BBs. McTrach followed Wagler and young Josh Dos Santos threw part of the 7th allowing an ER. James Bruce logged the last 2 2/3 innings and was touched for another ER; but, otherwise contributed a solid relief outing keeping Niaagara off balance. Metros Ricky Ferri, Jon Paul, Anthony Vacca and Chris Pickles took care of the offense with a pair of hits apiece.

Starter and loser. Ian Zettle, was unceremoniously roughed up for 8 ERs, 7 hits and 5 BBs over 3 2/3 innings; but. rookies Josh Dos Santos and Ryan Wagler, kept Milton in the game allowing 3 comeback attempts. Each pitched 2 2/3 innings and Erindale was able to score just a single run off Dos Santos, and was shut out completely by 'Wags' over the course of 5 + innings - a good sign for a beleaguered bull-pen crew. Erindale's Chris Novia launched 2 'moonshot' HRs and Greg Dodwell added another. Veteran Frankie Coccia, as well as Dave Sweetman and Chris Willins also had a pair of hits apiece.

Milton led 2-0 after the 1st ; however, Brampton tied it in the 5th. Milton extended the lead to 7-3 heading into the 9th, when Brampton rallied to push across 3 runs before Milton finally retired the side. Scott McTrach started and went 5 solid innings surrendering 2 ERs on 4 hits and 3 BBs while striking out 4. Justin Volpato earned the win with 2 scoreless innings in relief recording 3 Ks. Ian Zettle and James Bruce combined to throw the last 2 innings and were touched for 2 ERs. Milton made 3 errors on the night. Vic Speciale and Jr. call-up, Somma, led Brampton with 2 hits apiece of the 8 hit BattleCat offense.

Kevin Cooper, with a pair of hits and Craig Howse, Brian Hunter and Adam Chong accounted for the 5 Milton hits. Ryan Panas and Brett Sanders led the Rangers with a pair of hits apiece and Bryan Vardzel, who relieved Hyde in the 8th, received credit for the win. Hyde mowed down 11 Red Sox batters via the strikeout.

Game 2 was primarily the Kyle Breitner show as he also struck out 11 batters over the 6 innings he worked to get credit for the win. Peter Saweczko earned the Save in relief with an inning of work. The Sox could manage only 3 hits: a double by Kevin Greer and singles by Chris Pittaway and Adam Chong, who threw out two runners at 2B. On the mound, Ian Zettle took the loss surrendering 7 hits and 4 ERs to Etobicoke while walking a pair. Ryan Wagler, getting his confidence back lately, threw a scoreless inning of relief. Brett Sanders blasted a solo HR for the Rangers in the 4th.

Liam Tennant was the hard-luck loser for Milton throwing 6 innings and allowing 3 ERs on 5 hits with 5 Ks, Ryan Wagler and Scott McTrach hurled an inning each of scoreless relief. Stephan Kulchyk led the Twins with a pair of hits while John Broll pounded out an RBI double and Bendan Emmett hit a double as well..

Friday night, Milton took full advantage of shaky Tilly pitching, charging out to a 9-0 lead after 3 innings, adding 5 more in the 5th for the mercy win. Tyler Wilson earned the victory limiting the hosts to 3 hits and 0 ERs over 5 innings. Ryan Wagler pitched the final inning and was touched for 2 UERs surrendering 3BBs and 2 hits. Offensively, Adam Aubie with a single, double and 2 RBIs and Chris Pittaway with a single, double and one RBI, led the way. Brian Hunter, coming around lately at the plate, crashed a grand-slam HR. James Bruce with a double and Don Smith, Kevin Greer, and Steve Lauzon contributed singles.

Sloppy defensive play Saturday saw Bolton take a 5-4 lead into the final inning before the Red Sox were jolted into a 3 run uprising to charge from behind for the 7-5 win despite being outhit 9-7. Ian Zettle went 5 innings for the win surrendering 4ERs on 8 hits and one BB while striking out 3 batters. Ty Wilson came on in the 6th to earn the save giving up one hit. Don Smith with a pair of doubles and James Bruce with 2 hits, an RBI and 2 SBs, set the pace for the Sox. Kevin Cooper had a pair of RBIs on a BB and a single. Steve Lauzon had 2 RBIs on a single, Brian Hunter with a single and Kevin Greer with 2 RBIs on a pair of Sacs, completed the Milton offense.

Sunday saw one of the most spectacular pitching melt-downs in Milton over the last 5 years as they simply ran out of effective arms leading 10- 6 heading into the last inning and eventually lost 18-11 while outhitting Glanbrook 16-15 im the howling winds at Sam Lamb Park. Cal Coleman was pitching effectively for Milton until he was forced to leave with an arm injury having been touched for 4 ERs over 4 1/3 innings. Young rookies Josh Dos Santos and Steve Davis had control problems and surrendered another 3 ERs. Then, James Bruce and Kevin Greer making their first relief appearances of the year, faced 10 batters and 10 ERs between them was the result. Craig Howse stopped the bleeding allowing one more ER to finish the inning. Bruce was saddled with the loss; however all 3 were forced into duty when two regular pitchers were last minute absentees. Tim Sogan with a Grand Slam and Cory Morrison with a 3-run HR, were the Glanbrook highlights. Chris Cooney earned the win in relief.

Offensively, although leaving 13 men on base, Milton were led by Chris Pittaway, Adam Chong and Brian Hunter, all with 3 hits apiece. ' Pittsy' had 3 RBIs with a double and HR, Chong with a HR and a pair of singles and Hunter with 3 singles at opportune times and 2 RBIs. Kevin Cooper with a pair of singles and an RBI, Kevin Greer with a pair of RBIs, Craig Howse with a solo HR, James Bruce with a double and a pair of BBs and Steve Lauzon with a single, rounded out the Milton slugging.

The Milton squad would like to congratulate Rick Ellis and Brock Marshall and all the classy Grizzlies for taking the tournament title, and Derek Partlo and his guys for staging another successful Tillsonburg Tournament. Great job, boys.

Offensively, the Red Sox were held to 9 hits; however, unlike Friday night in Hamilton, they made the most of their opportunities. Led by their dynamic CFer James Bruce, who hammered out 4 hits, 2 RBIs and a SB, as well as lead-off hitter, Don Smith, with 2 hits, 2 BBs , an RBI and a SB, the Milton squad came out flying from the onset, posting two runs in the first, two more in the second, and another in the 3rd. A run in the 6th and 4 more in the 7th put the game out of reach for the Brants. The always unpredictable Kevin Cooper, blasted a single and a double and a pair of RBIs and rookie catcher Adam Chong contributed with a single. Cam McKnight took the loss for Burlington.

Offensively, Milton hammered out 17 hits led by James Bruce with 3 hits including a double and a pair of RBIs, and Donnie Smith with 3 hits, including a double and a solo RBI. Chris Pittaway and Kevin Cooper with 2 hits, including a double and 2 RBIs each, Steve Lauzon and Adam Chong with a pair of hits and an RBI and Adam Aube' with resounding double and Kevin Greer with a single contributed to the offensive onslaught. Chris Cooney suffered the loss for Glanbrook.

Offensively, 'the Trailer Park Boys' took full advantage of a few rookie Metro pitchers that had trouble locating the strike zone as they walked 8 Red Sox batters. Adam Aube' led the attack with a pair of singles and 2 RBIs, while Steve Lauzon and James Bruce pounded out two hits each. 'Brucey' also stole a pair of bases. Donnie Smith with a single, 2 BBs and a pair of RBIs, Kevin Cooper with a single and 2 RBIs, Kevin Greer with a single and an RBI, Liam Tennant with a double and Chris Pittaway and Craig Howse with singles as well as a few resounding line-drive outs, kept pressure on the home team all night long. Milton also left 12 men on base.

Milton's defence was shaky at times contributing to 5 errors, likely a direct result of the shortened spring season.

Friday night at the rock-hard tundra of Greg Cranker's 9th Line Park was a pitcher's worst nightmare. 33 hits - 18 -15 for the Sox - was the order of the day. Jon Roth with 4 hits, as well as Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell and Kevin Greer with 3 hits and 5 RBI's each, led Milton. Sean Mathe' and James Bruce hammered out a pair of hits also, and Kevin Cooper blasted a mammoth 3-run HR in the 3rd. Craig Howse with a single and 2 RBI's, Chris Pittaway with an RBI double, and Nick 'Don't Hit Me' Mazzorato with a single rounded out the Milton offense. Rookie, Trent 'Little Bar' Barwick, threw a solid 4 innings in relief of starter Cal Coleman to earn the win. Barwick allowed one ER on 4 hits while recording 2 Ks. Veteran reliever,Mike Grabauskas, closed out the 7th inning allowing just a single ER. Frankie Coccia, Greg Cullen, Tiny Birsa and Dave Sweetman led Erindale with 3 hits apiece.

Saturday, in Milton, the Red Sox and Thornhill Reds fought a classic see-saw battle with the Reds pushing the go-ahead run across in their top of the 7th to emerge as 5-4 winners. Veteran starter Ian Zettle deserved a better fate as he threw a complete game in workman-like fashion, allowing just 3 ERs while scattering 8 hits striking out 2 and issuing 0 BBs. A key error in the 5th proved to be a decisive factor. John Crone and Al Woods registered a pair of hits each for Thornhill. Offensively, Milton could manage only 7 hits as James Bruce with a single and double, and Jon Roth with a pair of singles, set the pace. Craig Howse with a single and 2 RBIs, Chris Pittaway with an RBI double, Kevin Greer with an RBI single, and Nick Mazzorato with a double and a pair of HBPs, rounded out the Milton offense.

Next up, again in Milton, was the surging COBA divisional leaders, the Brampton BattleCats, and the Red Sox 'Boys' came out swinging with 4 runs in the 1st, another in each of the 2nd and 3rd, and 7 more in the 4th to win going away. Speedy James Bruce led the 15 hit attack with 3 hits that included a HR and 2 RBIs. Catcher, Chris 'Pittsy' Pittaway with a pair of hits and 3 RBIs, Jon Roth with 2 hits, including a double and RBI, Kevin Cooper with a double and single and an RBI, and Sean Mathe' with a pair of singles set the pace. Nick ' The Human Ball Magnet' Mazzorato with a 2-run double and 2 more HBPs, Craig Howse with a double and RBI, Kurt Mitchell with an RBI single and Kevin Greer with a single comprised the Milton 15-hit attack. Scott 'Little Skip' McTrach, who earned the win, bobbed and weaved for 6 innings allowing just 2 ERs while scattering 10 hits and walking a pair. Mike Grabauskas, with his assortment of aggravating 'junk', threw the 7th to close out the game.

The Milton squad is starting to get players back from work commitments and injuries, and the results are self-evident by their enthusiastic play of late. This is an especially tough week as they are in Oakville to take on the A's Monday night before returning home Wednesday to face off once again with the Erindale Cardinals 'power-bats' at the Milton Sports Centre. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:30pm.

Congratulations to Bob 'The Beav' Kulchyk and the Mississauga SW Twins for powering their way to the Championship of this prestigious Hap Walters Tournament. They defeated the Windsor Athletic Association 6-3 in Sunday's final with a combination of outstanding pitching, solid hitting and spectacular defensive play. This is their second tournament win this year as they also won the Lakeside Tournament in London two weeks ago. It is good to see COBA Major AAA teams reclaiming these two trophies for a year.

Friday night's loss to Lakeside was particularly painful since the Lizards scored 4 runs in the 7th to over-come a 3-0 deficit. The game revolved around a blatant umpiring error at 1stB as a runner was called safe on a routine 3rd out groundball from SS that beat the runner by at least a full stride. Even the osprey was appalled. Pitcher, Liam Tennant, was outstanding for the Sox, surrendering 4 ERs on 7 hits over 7 innings while striking out 3. Defensively, Milton also played solid errorless ball. Offensively, Kevin Greer and Craig Howse led the 'Trailer Park Boys' with two hits each, while Adam Aubie with an RBI double, Kurt Mitchell with a double and Kevin Cooper and Steve Lauzon with singles, rounded out the Milton 8-hit offense,

Saturday morning, St. Thomas rode the dominating pitching of Tyler Annett to a one-hit 4-0 victory. Jon Roth registered the only hit for Milton. Ian Zettle threw a strong 5 innings scattering 4 runs on 9 hits while striking out 3 and walking a pair. Trent Barwick and James Bruce threw a scoreless inning apiece.

Later that day in Byron, Milton broke out with 16 hits and solid pitching to defeat Sarnia 8-4. Liam Tennant was virtually 'unconscious' as he led the Sox with 4 hits including a double and an RBI. Steve Lauzon and Jon Roth had 2 hits and a pair of RBIs each, while Adam Aubie pounded out 2 singles and an RBI and Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell also had a pair of hits, one a double. Kevin Cooper with a single and 2 RBIs, ad Kevin Greer, Sean Mathe' and James Bruce each contributed singles. Scott 'Little Skip' McTrach threw a complete 7 inning victory allowing just 2 ERs on 4 hit while striking out 5 and walking a pair.

The afternoon game yesterday saw the eventual tournament champion Grizz, from the COBA MAJOR AAA, surge on a hitting spree against Ilderton, Milton and Markham, in that order, that proved difficult to match. In the 12-1 loss, Milton hung tough against Grizz hurler Tim Sogan, trailing only 4-0 after 5 innings, Starter Ian Zettle was victimized by a pair of UERs and some opportune Glanbrook hitting. However, the game collapsed completely as the Red Sox relief crew was shaky, to say the least, allowing 8 runs on 9 hits and a pair of 2-run HRs by pitcher Sogan himself in the 6th and 7th. Trent Barwick stopped the bleeding in the 7th gaining the final two outs. Offensively, Milton ended the day with 4 hits - a solid double by Kevin Cooper and singles by Nick Mazzorato, Lee Mathe' and Cal Coleman.

Saturday saw the Red Sox play their best baseball of the tournament defeating Thornhill 5-1 with a 5-run come-from-behind rally in the 6th. Led by Kevin Cooper's two hits, rookie Brandon Banaschewski drove in a pair of runs with a solid single as did Nick Mazzorato. Brian Hunter with an RBI single, as well as Steve Lauzon, Kevin Greer, Adam Aubie and Kurt Mitchell with singles each, rounded out the Red Sox 9-hit offense. Cal Coleman threw a solid 5 innings limiting the Reds to one ER on 4 hits. Trent Barwick earned the win in relief, and, along with veteran Sean Mathe', the two closed out the final two innings of the game. Milton played errorless ball throughout the win.

Early Sunday morning, riding a 16 hit charge, the Sox man-handled the Expos from Niagara Falls 10-2. Starter Liam Tennant earned the win with an outstanding 6-inning performance limiting NF to 3 hits and 2 ERs while striking out 4. Jon Merton closed out the game throwing a scoreless 7th. For the 2nd game in a row, the Milton defense played errorless ball.

Kevin Greer, Brandon Banaschewski and Brian Hunter each had 3 hits in this game, with Greer adding 3 RBIs and BB contributing a pair of RBIs. Jon Roth with a pair of hits including a solo HR, Kevin Cooper with a HR and 3 RBIs, as well as Steve Lauzon, Sean Mathe', Craig Howse and Nick Mazzorato with single hits each, contributed to the Milton attack

Despite their disappointing tournament exit, the Red Sox coaches wish to heartily thank all those loyal 'Trailer Park Boys' who made that special effort to attend this time-honoured tournament. We get better as a team the mpre we play and the more that actually do play. Thanks also to the great Tillsonburg Tournament organizers - Derek Partlo and Sam Lamb and their families - for all their efforts in maintaining this oldest of Ontario Senior Tournaments. Lots of stories - some even true - and plenty of laughs all round, especially from Donny H. and Terry L. in the beer tent. Thanks again guys, You are indeed the greatest of friends!

Batting cages, soft toss areas, a free-weights and running machine section, pitching mounds and an infield area, are all part of the facilities.

The COBA 'AAA' Major is an all 'AAA" league and one of the best in the province. Combining experienced veterans with a steady stream of Jr. graduates each year from various areas, the Milton Red Sox are perennial league title challengers and the 2011 COBA MAJOR 'AAA' League Playoff Champions. The league schedule is 28 games, and combined with anywhere from 2-3 tournaments, the Elimination Tournament in Windsor, as well as a double-knock-out tournament at the end of the league schedue to determine the league champion, teams in the 'AAA' COBA MAJOR play anywhere between 40-48 games per summer. It is a league for the serious-minded athlete who is a 'baseball junkie'.

Directions: 401 to Hanlon Pkwy (one cutoff west of #6 Hwy. - north to Paisley St. cutoff - exit rt. on Paisley and head east for 2 stoplights to Alma St. - rt. on Alma south for a few blocks to RR tracks - in middle of tracks is Crimea St. to the left. Peak Performance Athletics is on the immediate right - likely the only building lit in the area. (519-515-0140)

The Barry Dobson Trophy was presented to the Milton Red Sox for winning the Playoff Championship, and the Pat Brooker Trophy was also picked up by the Red Sox for winning the Johnson Division pennant. Milton's solid third baseman, Sean Mathe' was selected the Playoff MVP as well as being appointed to the Johnson Division All-Star team. Kevin Cooper, Milton's slick-fielding veteran first-baseman, came 2nd in the league batting title and was also selected to the Johnson Division All-Stars. Veteran RHP, Ian Zettle, who logged the most innings of any pitcher in the league. was also appointed to the All-Star team. Zetts is the true 'horse' of the Milton pitching staff, especially in crucial games. Dusty Roskam, the Red Sox's excitng rookie with the blazing speed from the 2010 Jr. Red Sox, lost out in the Rookie Award by a narrow one-vote margin. Veteran catcher, Carlos D'Costa was in the final selections for the Iron-Man Award as well. Congratulations are in order to all these up-standing 'Trailer Park Boys' for being selected for these honours.

This brings to a close a fine season for our beloved Milton Red Sox. Everyone is excited about moving into our new park up the street for the 2012 season. We will no longer be referred to as 'homeless'. Glenn Turner is super-keen to practise his field-grooming artistry on the new 'Field of Dreams' and Greg Cranker is set to school him in the handling of our new lawn tractor. In addition, most of the core of this fine group has indicated they will be returning next year, and together with the addition of some eager young 'newbies' to fill any voids that may arise, we will do our damnest to put another competitive product on the field once again for our loyal fans and young 'rug-rats' that follow us around all summer. As your coaches - Matt 'Bonesy' McCandless, Mike 'Stain' Austen and ancient 'El Mooro' - we have had a fantastic time coaching you the last few years, and we will do everything we can to maintain this commitment to excellence and toughness we now seem to have created. You are indeed, not only a great 'team', but more importantly, a solid group of unique individuals, and our friends. we are truely moved by that reality. Thanks for all your time sacrifices, hard work, dedication and patience with our coaching, you 'noble knights.' The 'baseball gods' reward you in kind for that, as you have readily witnessed.

Wear those Milton Red Sox sweaters, hoodies and t-shirts everywhere. Bonesy and Jack Cantelon searched them out for you because they feel we are indeed a very proud and special group. Stay tuned for notices re. our annual Christmas Party. It might be the week between Christmas and New Years so that more of the team and alumni can attend. Talk to you all later.

Strong north winds, a side effect of Hurricane Irene, played a major role in Game 1. Each team hit a pair of HRs with Kevin Lee blasting a pair for Oakville. Milton led 5-3 after 5 innings; however, the A's exploded for 6 runs in the top of the 6th to seal the victory. Adam Ahearn was tagged with the loss allowing 7 ERs on 9 hits and a pair of BBs. Mike Grabauskas was also tagged for a pair of runs in his relief stint for Ahearn. For Oakville, Kevin Lee and Matt Bekar registered 3 hits apiece, while Julian Richards and Andrew Kotulak had 2 hits each. Milton's 8-hit offense was led by Kevin Cooper who hit a HR and double and racked up 4 RBIs. Sean Mathe' had a HR and single as well as 2 RBIs, and Steve Lauzon, Carlos D'Costa, Liam Tennant and Jon Roth recorded singles each.

Totally disheartened by the outcome of Game 1 against Oakville, the determined 'Trailer Park Boys' jumped into an impressive 5-0 first inning lead in the second and final game. Liam Tennant, forced to pitch this game, was simply outstanding. 'LT' limited the A's to 4 hits and 4 walks over his 7-inning stint as he stuck out 5 batters. This game also marked the return of Milton's tough, young SS - Kevin Greer - who had been side-lined with a broken hand suffered before the Elims in late July. 'KG' hammered out a double and single producing 2 RBIs, while veteran. Jon Roth also had 3 RBIs from a pair of timely hits. Kevin Cooper, Milton's hitting leader, had another double and RBI while Steve Lauzon, Sean Mathe', Chris Pittaway, James Bruce and Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell all tallied singles. James Bruce, with 3 Runs Scored, used his speed to cause havoc on the base-paths for Oakville , as well as tracking down 8 fly-balls during the two back-to-back games.

So, a long season comes to an end for the beloved 'Homeless Trailer Park Boys' from Milton. The team ended the season with a respectable record of 26-19 , the Johnson Division Title and the League Playoff Championship Title. Mixed with a solid combo of eager young speedsters, as well as wily veterans, the Red Sox played all comers with a sense of verve and enthusiasm that made all their opponents, as well as their many loyal fans and 'rug-rat' followers extremely proud.

Many thanks to Matt 'Bonesy' McCandless and Mike 'Stain' Austen for their wisdom and humour in their roles as asst. coaches. Thanks also to Glenn 'Alvin' Turner for his tireless battles with the town to try to salvage our beloved Brian Best Park. Thanks to Greg Cranker and the Erindale Cardinals, as well as Steve 'Whitey' Breitner and his Etobicoke Rangers for helping to find room to play many of our games in their parks. Thanks also to the teams that came to Campbellville and played games in that historic baseball venue. Next year, Milton heads over beyond the Community Center to a brand-new facility, and Glenny should be re-invigorated in his quest for creating that 'perfect park'. It should be exciting indeed! Thanks to everyone attached to the Milton Red Sox and all our friends and 'running buddies' throughout the league. I hope to see all of you again in 2012 at our new 'digs'. Thanks again to all those who make that extra effort to play, coach and support this great old game in the COBA MAJOR AAA League. Your enthusiasm and dedication is always noted and applauded by those 'deathless' baseball gods who inhabit all our parks throughout the long, hot summer months, Thanks again.

The 'Homeless' Trailer Park Boys used the same formula they used in last week-end's opening round series - riding veteran pitchers, sound defense, and timely hitting. Veteran work-horse, Ian Zettle, the 'pride of Orangeville', threw another workman-like game holding Niagara to 0 ERs on 5 hits while issuing just one walk over 7 innings to earn credit for the 2-1 win. For Niagara, Geoff Strong on the hill, was equally as stingy with hits and runs. Steve Lauzon drove in James Bruce, who had doubled in the bottom of the 7th, with the winning run. Lauzon with 2 hits and an RBI, was matched by gritty veteran Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell who also had a pair of hits and an RBI. Sean Mathe' and Carlos D'Costa also scratched out singles against Niagara's young Geoff Strong who was dominating in the early stages of this game.

Immediately following this exciting win, Milton took on the tough Glanbrook Grizzlies, last year's playoff champions. The fans got their money's worth in this see-saw affair. Tied 2-2 after 3 innings, Milton pushed across the go-ahead run in the 4th, only to be answered by the Grizz in the 5th. In the bottom of the 7th, with Kevin Cooper on 1st base, catcher Chris Pittaway sent a towering blast to rt. center that caused mis-communication be the merging OFers and dropped in for a double as 'Coop' scampered around third to score the winning run. Savvy, veteran, Tyler Wilson, was solid on the mound for the Red Sox over the 7 innings he worked allowing only 2 ERs while scattering 8 hits, striking out 4 and walking only one. Glanbrook's Cory Morrison continued to give Milton hurlers fits with a 3/4 performance and Justin Czorny pounded out a pair of hits as well.

Grizz hurler and field leader, Mike Grilli, also scattered 8 Milton hits. Sean Mathe' with 2 RBIs. Chris Pittaway with an RBI double, and Liam Tennant, Kurt Mitchell, Carlos D'Costa, Jon Roth, Steve Lauzon and Kevin Cooper accounted for the Milton offense.

Offensively, Milton was led by Sean Mathe' who pounded out 4 hits and a pair of RBIs, and also by Jon Roth, who rang up 3 hits and an RBI. Liam Tennant and Dusty Roskam, with a pair of hits each, and Carlos D'Costa with 2 RBIs, were a formidable supporting cast. Chris Pittaway, with an RBI, and James Bruce with a double, rounded out the 14 hit Red Sox attack.

The 'Homeless Trailer Park Boys' now advance to the second COBA MAJOR AAA playoffs next weekend in Burlington. Stay tuned for game match-ups and start times.

Milton's Carlos D'Costa, with a 3-run HR in the 2nd, dealt the decisive blow. Kurt 'Dirty" Mitchell hammered out a pair of hits and played spectacularly in the field. Jon Roth with a double and an RBI, Sean Mathe' with an RBI single, and Kevin Cooper with a single, completed the offense. Brant pitcher, C.J. Cabrero, was saddled with the loss.

Game 1 featured a brilliant pitching duel between Milton veteran Ian Zettle and Markham's ace Brad Binns leading hurler in the GTBL. The game was decided by a solo HR in the top of the 7th. Zetts held Markham to just 3 hits and Milton had 2-3 chances to reach Binns; however, they left all of their 6 hits stranded. Kevin Cooper, the Red Sox hottest hitter of late, had a pair of singles, while Steve Lauzon, Sean Mathe', James Bruce and Liam Tennant added singles apiece. The game was played in 1 hr. 45 minutes.

Saturday morning, the Milton squad drove out to Woodslee for an early morning encounter with Toronto's East York. Milton led 3-0 over 5 innings as veteran starter Ty Wilson kept East York at bay. In the 6th and 7th; however, the Toronto contingent surged forward to tie the score. Reliever, Mike Grabauskas came on in the 7th to preserve the tie. In the top of the 8th, East York loaded the bases with nobody out; however, the spunky Red Sox amazingly emerged unscathed behind reliever Scott 'Little Skip' McTrach. No doubt inspired by returning from the brink of disaster, the Sox, in the bottom of the 8th, won the game as Kevin Cooper smashed a single to right to drive in Steve Lauzon from 2nd and make a winner out of McTrach. East York out-hit Milton 14-6. For Milton, Chris Pittaway had 2 hits, Carlos D'Costa and Kevin Cooper a pair of RBIs each, while Steve Lauzon and James Bruce contributed singles.

The Red Sox then travelled back to Lacasse Park in Tecumseh where they faced their third GTBL team in a row - the Leaside Leafs. Milton stayed close, trailing 3-2 after 4 innings before the powerful Leafs, led by a pair of HRs by Jeff Morton, won going away 9-2. Starter Adam Ahearn was saddled with the loss being touched for 6 ERs on 8 hits. Scott McTrach threw the last 2 1/3 innings and gave up 2 ERs on 3 hits and 2 BBs. Offensively, the Sox again managed only 6 hits led by James Bruce with a pair including an RBI, Kevin Cooper with an RBI single, and Sean Mathe', Liam Tennant and Carlos D'Costa with singles each. Leaside outhit Milton 11-6.

Milton tried as hard as they could to recover their offensive handicap; however, 6 hits per game was not a recipe for long-term success at this prestigious affair. The Trailer Park Boys now need to regroup in the 6 remaining league games before heading into league playoffs in the middle of August. Saturday, at Campbellvillle Park, the Red Sox host the Brampton BattleCats in a DHer starting at 12:00pm.

Friday at Norm Aldridge Park, Exeter jumped all over Milton's veteran starter, Ian Zettle for 6 hits and 5 runs after two innings. Then, as if revived from a coma, 'Zetts' dominated the last 5 innings with a scoreless, hitless performance to earn the win, striking out 7 Exeter batters in the process. The Sox manufactured 10 hits throughout the lineup led by James Bruce, Sean Mathe', Chris Pittaway and Steve Lauzon with 2 hits apiece. Kevin Greer with a 2-run single and Dusty Roskam with an RBI double rounded out the offense.

Saturday morning at Labatt Park, the Red Sox rode the steady workman-like pitching of Adam Ahearn to a 8-2 victory over league-rival Oakville. Limiting the A's to 6 hits, 'AA's' kept the score close until Milton scored 5 runs in the last two innings to seal the win. Dusty Roskam with 3 hits and 3 RBIs, set the tone. Jon Roth continued his clutch hitting with a 2/4 performance that included a double and an RBI. James Bruce with a single and 2 RBIs, Ryan Bauer with an RBI double, and Sean Mathe', Chris Pittaway and an awakened Steve Lauzon, all contributed singles in the 10-hit barrage.

However, despite these early successes, Game 3 at Norm Aldridge saw Milton succumb 10-5 to the Etobicoke Rangers amidst 'sick', unprofessional antics by one of the umpires, a noticeable loss of presence and 'cool' by a few of the Trailer Park Boys, a very shaky performance by the bull-pen and consequently, a sudden-death exit from the tournament. Credit to Etobicoke for taking full advantage of Milton's emotional distractions and failure to 'right the ship'. Milton starter, Scott McTrach was touched for 5 hits and 2 ERs while walking 4 batters. Most of the fireworks occured when 3 balks were called - two while Milton was intentionally walking a batter to fill the bases. All hell naturally broke loose. 'Little Skip' melted down, El Mooro limped on to the field to distract the umpire, and Bonesy loaded his gun on the bench. Despite all this mayhem, when the smoke cleared the game was still tied 5-5. Jon Merton, Liam Tennant and Craig Howse came in from the bullpen with only Tennant showing any signs of effectiveness in this particular game. Merton was saddled with the loss.

Etobicoke's Sean Silk limited the Red Sox to 6 hits. Jon Roth drove in a pair of runs with a single and double, Kevin Greer had a 2-run double,and Dusty Roscam, Sean Mathe' and Steve Lauzon registered singles.

Friday night's game was a close affair as Milton pitching limited Ilderton, last year's Elim finalist, to just 3 hits on route to a hard-fought 3-1 victory. Liam Tennant hurled a solid 4 innings, surrendering just one earned run on 3 hits and veteran relievers Mike Grabauskas and Ty Wilson shut the Red Army down dramatically over the last 3 innings striking out 5 batters between them Wilson earned the Win being the benificiary of Kevin Greer's dramatic two-run HR blast in the bottom of the 6th. Jon Roth led Milton's 5-hit attack with a pair of singles and a SB, while Kevin Cooper with an RBI double and Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell with a solid single rounded out the Milton attack.

Lack of practice time and water-logged brains did the Red Sox in in Satuday's rain-delayed 4-3 loss to the Woodslee Orioles. Woodslee jumped into a 3-0 lead on 4 'chink' hits off veteran starter Ian Zettle, who went the first 4 innings surrendering 2 ERs on 6 hits while striking out 4 batters. Jon Merton was touched for one run in the two solid innings he worked, while rookie Ryan 'Arbo' Arbon cut down a Woodslee rally in the 6th and worked out of a jam himself in the 7th. The Orioles had 8 hits on the day. Milton had a 7-hit offense themselves as the red-hot Kevin 'KG' Greer slashed two doubles and a single, Steve Lauzon drove in 2 runs with a looper to left in the 4th and Carlos D'Costa produced a 7th inning RBI single. Kurt Mitchell and Sean Mathe' also had singles each. However, El Mooro and Bonesy were fuming over shoddy baserunning decisions, costly errors, poor throwing and questionable at-bats from the troops which all helped directly diffuse Milton's attempted comeback attempts in the latter innings. No doubt waiting around all day to play, not being able to work on things at Brian Best Park, and perhaps that incipient beast - over-confidence - provided the 'Boys' with a wake-up call for other games to come in this rain-out filled season. Here's hoping.

Game 1 saw an intense pitching duel between Milton's young Scotty 'Little Skip' McTrach and the Grizzlie's Justin Czorny. McTrach was impressive as he went the 7-inning route surrendering a pair of ERs on 7 hits, while walking 4 and striking out 2. Czorny held the Sox to just 4 hits, all singles by Steve Lauzon, Kurt Mitchell, Kevin Cooper and Dave Strutt. The Red Sox tried continually to mount an attack; however, Glanbrook warded them off consistently

Game 2 followed immediately afterwards and it was a more wide-open affair. The Grizz pecked away at Milton veteran starter, Adam Ahearn, for 6 ERs on 12 hits and a pair of walks. Corrie Morrison and Mark Terrana hit solo HRs for Glanbrook. Ahearn fought nobly to keep the surging 'Circus', who seemed to smell victory in the air, at bay. The Red Sox showed a little more life at the plate as they piled up 8 hits against Glanbrook starter, Jamie Kozak. He bent, and with a bit of assistance from a rattled umpiring crew, he did not break. El Mooro got the 'heave-ho' for questioning the brain content of the home-plate umpire following a game-changing call. Jon Roth led the Milton offense with a pair of hits that included a double. Sean Mathe' and Kevin Greer pounded out doubles and Liam Tennant and Carlos D'Costa had RBI singles. Kurt Mitchell and Dave Strutt added singles as well. Milton left 9 men on base over the 7 innings. That recipe spelled 'disaster'.

Congratulations to the Glanbrook Grizzlies, who, by winning the Ansen Buck Trophy for league supremacy, and by winning three games in a row Sunday in the blazing heat, are worthy COBA MAJOR Playoff Champions. Take a bow, 'Circus' members.

And so, another year comes to a close for the Milton Red Sox. This was a re-building year and all the coaches - El Mooro, Bonesy, Stain and Gerry - had a lot of fun with this growing team. Thanks to the older players who stayed around to help the new 'bottle kids' develop into Trailer Park Boys. The way is now set for others to follow the same lead. Thanks especially to Bonesy and Pam for their tireless and consistent work supplying and monitoring the refreshment funds that pay for all our tournaments. Other teams wonder how we do it; well, we just use experts like Bonesy who learned his trade from Willie. Thanks also to our great group of fans - wives, kids, girl-friends, mothers and fathers who follow us around in all kinds of weather to cheer the boys on. Thanks also to our loyal 'band of alumni brothers ' who come to Brian Best to make it a 'baseball happening'. Great work you fun-loving 'wackos'. Thanks especially to Glenn, 'Alvin' Turner for his tirelss support and gruelling work keeping the field in tip-top condition. Without Glennie, we don't play ball at Brian Best, period. Thanks to Skip McTrach, Jack Cantelon, Frank 'Shaggy' Hume and Glenn for keeping the Red Sox Juniors on course and ready to make the jump to senior baseball. Thanks also to these guys for setting up the barbeque area during the playoff weekend. Fantastic job, guys. What a great group!

Once again, Milton took their lead in the Glanbrook game from starting pitcher Ian Zettle who limited the short-handed 'Circus' to 3 hits, 2 ERs, 2 BBs while striking out 4. The Sox scored all five of their runs in the top of the 3rd. Jon Roth led the way with a single and a double and a RBI, while Steve Lauzon, Liam Tennant and Sean Mathe' contributed RBI singles. Kevin Cooper blasted a wrong-field double to complete the 6-hit attack.

Immediately following the Glanbrook game, Milton took on the Niagara Metros and their top lefty, Jason Ermers. Milton's Liam 'Spaceman' Tennant took to the hill, and the young righthander held the Metro hitters to one ER on 5 hits. He issued 7 walks while registering 2 strikeouts. This game was a vicious battle against the right field sun as both teams seemed blinded by anything hit skyward in that field, much to the amusement of Milton's 10th man - the raucous, partying crowd near the beer-tent. Yes, old fashioned baseball harassment at it's best directed at all miscues and, in the fan's minds, questionable umpiring calls.

Offensively, the game was almost a copy of the Glanbrook game, as the Boys struck once again for 5 runs, this time in their top of the 4th. Mostly everyone got in on the action, spurred on by their fiesty field-leader - Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell. Steve Lauzon, Kevin Greer, Nick Mazzorato and Sean Mathe' pumped RBI doubles. Junior call-up, Dusty Roskam hit an RBI single and stole a base. Carlos D'Costa also singled to complement the 6-hit Milton attack.

Offensively, the Sox struck for 5 runs in the 1st inning and one more in the 4th. Steve Lauzon led the 9-hit attack with 3 hits and Kevin Cooper hit a 2-run double. Dave Strutt and Carlos D'Costa had RBI singles. Team leader, Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell blasted a double and Kevin Greer and Adam Mills also recorded hits. Jon Roth and Sean Mathe' each had an RBI, as the Milton squad kept offensive pressure on Brampton throughout the game.

The Trailer Park Boys now head into the Final Four Double-Knockout Tournament this Saturday as they take on the Glanbrook Grizzlies at 12:00pm at Brian Best Park in Milton. It should be a packed house as 'The Circus" comes to town to face off against the upstart Red Sox.

Throughout the tournament, the Milton Juniors, led by super-chef, Frank 'Shaggy' Hume, will be setting up a barbeque area offering delicious hotdogs, sausages and hamburgers to the hungry fans. Come on over and say hello to the other Junior coaches: Glenn Turner, Skip McTrach and Jack Cantelon.

Friday night, Brampton came from behind 3-0 to smack the Trailer Park Boys 5-3 at Connorville Park. Ian Zettle hurled a solid 6 innings, surrendering 5 ERs on 9 hits while striking out 6. Scotty 'Little Skip' McTrach threw the 7th in 1-2-3. fashion. However, the real story of the game was a familiar 2010 Milton nemesis - too few hits and too many men left on base. The Red Sox, while outhit 10-5 on the night, still managed to strand 9 runners. Sean Mathe' led the Sox with 2 hits, while Kevin Greer drove in a pair of runs with a single, and Steve Lauzon had an RBI single. Liam Tennant also cracked a double.

Saturday, the Boys, took the initiative and jumped on Erindale starter Ian 'Flip' Bala for 5 runs in the first 3 innings to hang on for a tough 6-4 victory. In a real rarity, Milton outhit the Cards 11-5, as Kevin Greer got back to form with 3 solid hits that included a double. Carlos D'Costa pounded a 2-run HR in the 2nd as well as driving across two other RBIs throughout the game for a total of 4 RBIs. Pitcher Liam 'Spaceman' Tennant had a pair of doubles, and wily veteran Dave Strutt hammered a 2-run single and Jon Roth had a single and 2 stolen bases. Steve Lauzon, Kurt 'Dirty' Mitchell and Kevin Cooper also had singles to round out the offense. Liam Tennant threw a tough, gritty 5 hitter against one of the best-hitting teams in the COBA MAJOR, striking out 7 while scattering 5 BBs. Tennant worked hard to keep Cardinal runners off base before Geoff Cullen - who hit a line-drive laser out of right-center field - came to the plate.

After this game, things started to get messy, thanks to Mother Nature. Game 3 between Oakville and Milton was pushed back in the afternoon while El Cranko and a few of his loyal soldiers, intermingled with the Red Sox Trailer Park Boys, worked hard to clear the field of mud and guck, freely spreading Glenn Turner's precious Turface bags everywhere. In an exciting game, Milton squeaked by Oakville 3-2 as they pushed the go-ahead run across in their half of the 7th inning. Once again, a fine Red Sox pitching performance kept the game close. Devin 'DK' Karlsen held the 2nd place A's to 2 ERs, 6 hits and 3 BBs while recording a pair of strike-outs. Oakville's Matt Bekar hit a solo HR in the 5th. This pitching performance gave the Red Sox time to get their bats going for 9 hits. Kevin Cooper and Steve Lauzon led the attack with a pair of hits apiece, while Liam Tennant, Kevin Greer, Carlos D'Costa, Sean Mathe' and Dave Strutt with singles completed the offense. Strutty, Coop and Jon 'JR' Roth each drove in a run.

After a great deal of re-scheduling due to the Intercounty playoffs, Milton faced off against Greg Cranker's Red Horde Friday night at Couch Park in Kitchener. Inspired by the 2-hit pitching of veteran Ian Zettle, the Trailer Park Boys erupted for 8 hits en route to a convincing 4-0 victory. 'Zetts' went the full 7 innings allowing just a pair of hits to Erindale's Kevin Treichel, walked none, and struck out 3 Cardinal batters. Milton played errorless ball behind Zettle. Offensively, Jon 'JR' Roth led the way with 3 hits and Carlos D'Costa hammerered a double and single for 3 RBIs. Cavin Bratton contributed a pair of singles and an RBI and Sean Mathe' registered a single.

Saturday afternoon at London's Labatt Park, the Sox took on the Oshawa Royals, and Scott 'Little Skip' McTrach held the powerful Royals to 3 hits and one ER over 5 innings. Unfortunately, Milton's base-running and solid defensive play took the game off giving Oshawa 4 unearned runs on 3 errors and 2 mental base-running gaffes as the Royals prevailed 5-0 over the Red Sox. Lefty, Devin Karlsen threw one inning of perfect relief. relieving McTrach after 5 innings. Offensively, Milton had 5 hits and 8 men left-on-base and thus squandered many opportunities to pressure the Royals squad. Catcher, Carlos D'Costa with a double and single, Cavin Bratton with a double and Nick Mazzorato and Kurt Mitchell also with singles, rounded out the Sox offense.

Sunday's game in Rd. 3 saw Milton rebound from the Oshawa loss to defeat the upstart Martingrove White Sox 4-3 behind the solid pitching of veteran 'Silent' Adam Ahearn at Norm Aldridge Park in London. 'AAs' bent but never broke as he held Martingrove to just one ER on 3 hits. However, 4 BBs and 2 more throwing errors kept things interesting. Again Milton struggled at the plate collecting only 5 hits. However, the hits were timely, as Jon Roth, who now seems roused out of his pre-Elim mini-slump, led the Sox again with 2 hits and 2 RBIs. Sean Mathe' contributed a key 2-run single and Cavin 'Bratt' Bratton and Kevin Cooper added singles.

Two hours later at the same park, Milton drew the Oshawa Royals for the second time in the tournament, and again, they stayed close at 2-1 until the 6th when Oshawa pushed across 2 more runs to defeat the Boys 4-1. Liam 'Spaceman' Tennant fought hard on the mound for the Sox. He walked 6 batters; but, 3 Milton errors kept the Sox from getting out of the walk trouble. Refusing to give in, Tennant held Oshawa again to just 3 hits while striking out 3. Oshawa pitching issued 7 BBs themselves; however, with only 3 hits, the Sox left 10 men on base. This was a key factor in the game. Sean Mathe', Steve Lauzon and Jon Roth had singles each in this 'walk duel.'

Ultimately, the Milton crew surprised many by their feisty,hustling attitude - especially Oshawa. They were in all 4 games and consistent defense and a few more hits could have sent them into Rd. 5 with a 4-0 record;however, I guess all teams say that in retrospect! At a tournament of this talent level, the inexperience of Milton's young squad showed glaringly at times; but, progress is being made on many fronts and it is beginning to become evident to many opposition teams. Although many of the Sox are new and young, the traditional 'never quit' attitude of Milton teams of the past 6-7 years is still alive and kicking among this 2010 edition of Red Sox.

Saturday at Dundas, the Metros jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd inning, only to have the Sox surge ahead with 3 runs of their own in the 4th. Both teams scored a pair of runs in a water-logged 6th before the game was called and reverted back to the end of the 5th inning, ending with a 3-1 score. Adam Scheerer was the winning pitcher logging the 5 1/3 innings, allowing 3 ER on 7 hits while striking out 3 and walking a pair. Ian Zettle came on in the 6th and retired one batter before the game was called due to the inclement weather. Offensively, Joe Jurus led the Sox with a 2/3 day and 2 RBIs at the plate. Kevin Greer smashed out a pair of doubles and produced an RBI, while Steve Lauzon and Jon Roth contributed 2 hits each. Taylor Lawton pinched in with a single. Starter, Dustin Turner, took the loss for St. Catharines.

On Sunday in Burlington, 'Silent' Adam Ahearn and Kevin 'Little Breits' Breitner put on a pitching show for the fans. Milton's 'AAs' allowed just one baserunner over 7 innings while striking out 4 batters, and Breitner was equally as stingy as he gave up just 3 hits and 3 BBs. Mark Capone chipped out the Rangers only hit. The game ended dramatically in the bottom of the 7th when Kurt Mitchell drew a walk with one out and Taylor Lawton hit a deep blast to CF that appeared to be just short of the fence. In attempting to make the catch and double-up Mitchell on 1B, the CF seemed to actually tip the ball over the fence ending the game. Kevin Greer, Jon Roth and 'Shoeless' Joe Jurus registered the Milton hits. Milton played errorless ball in both of the Preliminary Round Games on the weekend, a key factor in advancing to the second round of playoffs next weekend.

Friday night the Exeter pitcher hurled a one-hitter at the Sox with only Adam Mills breaking up the no-hitter with an RBI single to score Steve Lauzon in the 7th of the 4-1 loss. Jr. pitcher, Adam Slessor, overcame early jitters and threw a strong 4 innings surrendering just one earned run while allowing 3 hits, 3 walks and striking out a pair. Brian Stewart held Exeter scoreless in his two innings of work allowing only one hit while striking out 3.

On Saturday, Adam Scheerer powered his way to a 2-0 2-hit shutout of East York striking out 8 and allowing just a pair of walks on the day. Offensively, Milton managed just 3 hits with Steve Lauzon's two-run single in the 3rd being the hi-lite. Brandon Banaschowski and Brian Hunter also added singles. The Trailer Park Boys and the 'Bottle Kids" headed out afterwards to the famous Harmony House all-you-can-eat buffet and nobody got cheated. Bonesy, Willie, Shoeless, Jack and Felks set the pace for the inexperienced young kids. A good time was had by all.

On Sunday, in the first of three consecutive games, classy veteran, "Silent" Adam Ahearn threw a 4 hitter at the host Lakeside Lizard, striking out 7, while walking three. Jon Roth led the Sox at the plate with a 2/3 performance driving in the only run. Lee and Sean Mathe and Ryan Bauer rounded out the 5-hit offense with a single apiece.

Next against Oakville, Milton came from behind a 3-0 deficit to tie the A's in the 5th and to forge ahead 5-3 in the top of the 7th, holding off Oakville to seal the win 5-4. Catcher, Adam Mills, led Milton with 2 hits, while Jon Roth and Joe Jurus had RBI doubles each. 'JJ' pounded the ball hard all day for the Sox. Ageless Dave Strutt drove in a run with an RBI single and Sean Mathe and Nick Mazzorato also had singles. Jeff Felker started and hurled the first 4 innings, holding the powerful A's to 3 runs on 4 hits, walking 2 and recording a pair of strikeouts. Young Jr. reliever, J D Hartnagle, earned the win in relief as he threw 3 innings, limiting Oakville to 1 run and 3 hits. A dramatic pickoff move by J D in the 7th, with Oakville's tying run on 2nd, proved to be the back-breaker for the A's.

The Sox held the Erindale 'Red Horde" scoreless- who received a bye into the finals - until the 4th when they struck for two runs courtesy of a monstrous HR from Kevin Treichel. Sean Mathe was solid for the 5 innings that he worked surrendering just 2 ERs.The 6th proved disastrous as El Mooro ran out JD Hartnagle again, Dave Strutt, the sqalking osprey on the light-standard in CF - who, by the way, threw well until he decided to fly off with the ball - and finally CFer Jon Roth who shut down the Cardinals 6-run 6th inning explosion in 1-2-3 fashion. Bonesy, sobbing and laughing in the bullpen, was seen warming himelf before the final out of the inning. Steve "Bully" Gallant, always one of the classiest guys in the league, was masterful on the mound for Crank's Cardinals surrendering just 2 hits - one each by Jon Roth and Nick Mazzorato - over 7 innings of work.

Congratulations to the Erindale Cardinals, worthy winners of this year's London Tournament and a great bunch of guys. Congrats also to the 10 juniors and 8 seniors who took the time this weekend to provide a solid entry in this tournament. Both teams were worthy COBA MAJOR representatives. Thanks also to Jack Cantelon and Frank "Shaggs" Hume for helping manoever all the kids into the lineup over the course of the tournament. great job, guys. Thanks also to Glenn and Lorraina Turner for coming to the tournament and keeping everything well in order for the entire Red Sox organization. It was a lot of fun, and that's what it really is all about anyways - having some fun.

Ty Wilson went the distance Friday night in Etobicoke to earn the 9-1 win against the feisty Brampton Battlecats, scattering 6 hits, striking out 3 and walking none. 'Shoeless' Joe Jurus with a mammoth 3-run HR in the 4th, Taylor Lawton with a 3-run triple and Curt Mitchell's and Jeff MacLeod's 2 hits apiece set the offensive tone. Nick Aalbers and Steve Lauzon contributed with singles.

Saturday in Burlington, 'The Boys' outlasted Erindale 8-5 in a rain-delayed contest. Steve Spiers got the win in relief of starter Ian Zettle, who hurled before and after the rain delay, leaving in the 6th. Milton pitching held the powerful Cardinals to 8 hits. Offensively, Milton only managed 5 hits; however, Nick Aalbers grand-slam HR in the 6th was the game-breaker for the Sox. Jeff MacLeod had 2 hits and an RBI and Kurt Mitchell smashed a key 2-run double. Matt Tales pitched in with a solo HR in the 3rd.

Sunday, under sunny skies, the Red Sox jumped on Etobicoke early and often to pound out an 11-4 victory. 'Silent' Adam Ahearn hurled a masterful 5 innings holding the 2007 Ansen Buck Trophy winners to 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 3 and walking only 1 batter. Mike Grabauskas threw the 6th and 7th and was touched for 3 runs by the Rangers long-ball boys, Warren Bradley and Rob Borden. Jeff MacLeod led the way with 4 singles and 3 RBIs, while Steve Lauzon and 'Little Curt' Davies added a pair of hits each. Joe Jurus with a 2-run double, Taylor Lawton and Matt Tales with RBI singles and Kurt Mitchell and Nick Aalbers with hits comprised the 13 hit attack.

The Championship round featured Crank's 'powerful pounders' against the Trailer Park Boys, urged on relentlessly by ageless Joe Jurus. Milton edged the Cardinals 6-5 in 8 innings. Taylor Lawton rallied the troops with 3 hits, while Matt Tales and Reese Davies added 2 hits each and Steve Lauzon pushed across 2 RBIs. However, the Red Sox offensive highlight was the Grand Slam HR in the 5th by Jeff MacLeod. Marc Sgrignoli also punched out a hit offensively. Milton rallied for the winning run in their half of the 8th, scoring Reese Davies on a wild pitch. Adam Finkbeiner started and hurled the first 2 1/3 innings. Ty Wilson, Jr. call-up, Scotty McTrach, and Steve Spiers followed in relief, with "Spiersy" earning the win for a solid 2 2/3 inning stint. Red Sox pitching held Erindale to 10 hits on the day, allowing 4 BBs whie registering 3 Ks.

So, the end has come to a long, hot summer for the emerging Milton squad. Having lost 12 players from the 2006 team, the new recruits infused great energy and enthusiasm to the core of this team. The team practised hard and played this game the way it is supposed to be played - with class and relentless hustle. El Mooro is proud as hell of all you crazy, loyal wackos. Take a bow boys, you dersrve it!

A very special thanks also needs to be extended to the player-coaches - Matt "Bonesy" McCandless, Kevin 'Willy" Wilson, Ryan 'Ryno" Davison, Scott Ballantyne and especially to the irrepressible, 'Shoeless' Joe Jurus. Thanks also to Gerry Moore for his constant support and talent evaluation. Thanks also to our GM Glenn Turner for his year-long support and his tireless efforts in maintaining our beloved Brian Best Park. Have a blast in Italy, Glenn.