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Clarion Dugout Goes Undefeated To Win Punxsutawney Groundhog 8-Under Tournament (07/09/14)

(By Clarion Dugout Manager, Bill Smith)

The Clarion Dugout went undefeated to win the Punxsutawney Groundhog 8U Tournament held on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6.

(All photos by Michelle Murray) Punxutawney Groundhog Tournament Champions, Clarion Dugout: Coach Mike Ferguson, Coach Bill Smith, Coach David Smail, Coach Chadd Murray Devon Lauer, Kohen Kemmer, Gabe Simko, Tommy Smith, Jack Callen, Brayden Murray Tanner Miller, Dawson Smail, Jase Ferguson, Jake Smith, Nick Aaron, Derek Smail

(All photos by Michelle Murray) Punxutawney Groundhog Tournament Champions, Clarion Dugout: Coach Mike Ferguson, Coach Bill Smith, Coach David Smail, Coach Chadd Murray
Devon Lauer, Kohen Kemmer, Gabe Simko, Tommy Smith, Jack Callen, Brayden Murray
Tanner Miller, Dawson Smail, Jase Ferguson, Jake Smith, Nick Aaron, Derek Smail

They won their first two games on Saturday with scores of 12-8 against Bradford and 13-11 against Brookville. Returning on Sunday they battled hard for a 2-1 victory against Punxsy’s Joe’s Drive-In to secure the top seed in the semi-finals.

The Dugout faced New Bethlehem in the semi-finals and came out on top with a 12-1 win, to face Joe’s Drive-In again in the championship game. Devon Lauer and Jase Ferguson both hit triples to lead the way in a 6 run second inning, while Nick Aaron had a double. Joe’s Drive-In answered in the top of the third with 3 runs of their own.

The next two innings were a defensive battle until the bottom of the fifth when Tommy Smith hit a base-clearing triple to bring in three runs. Gabe Simko followed with a base hit to bring Smith home for the four run inning. Joe’s Drive-In finished up at the top of the sixth with a run, but fell short as Clarion’s defense led by first baseman Jack Callen tightened up to secure the championship victory.

The Clarion Dugout returned to action Tuesday evening as they participated in Brookville’s Kirby Hetrick Memorial Tournament.

Tournament sponsors: The Tavern, Edwards Appliance, Kerle Tire

(Thanks to Coach Smith for this article and to Michelle Murray for the photos. Congratulations to Clarion Dugout!!!!)