Dugout 9-Under Team Doing Very Well (06/13/15)

The Clarion Dugout 9 and Under Team has started the season strong. They place second in the 10 and Under Harborcreek Tournament, on Saturday and Sunday, May 23rd and 24th. The locals followed that performance by capturing the Championship in the Butler Township Tournament, on Saturday and Sunday, June 6th and 7th.

(Photos submitted by Clarion Dugout) Clarion Dugout – Harborcreek Tournament – 2nd Place: Front (L-R) Kohen Kemmer, Jake Smith, Jase Ferguson, Tanner Miller, Nick Aaron. Back (L-R) Bryce Brinkley, Dawson Smail, Tommy Smith, Brayden Murray, Gabe Simko, Devon Lauer, Jack Callen.

Coach Bill Smith provided details of the Dugout’s performances in both tournaments.

CLARION DUGOUT 9U TAKES SECOND PLACE IN 10U HARBORCREEK TOURNAMENT
Clarion Dugout 9U started out the 2015 season by placing second in 10U Harborcreek Huskies Tournament on May 23-24th. Competition was tough as the boys battled against teams a year older than themselves.

In Clarion’s first game of the tournament,the Dugout proved to everyone that they were there to play with a convincing 14-0 win over Flag. The Dugout set the tone in the second inning, scoring a whopping 13 runs to lead them to the win by ending the game by the 10-run rule after four innings.

They then found themselves matched up with tournament host Harborcreek Huskies. It was a defensive battle, with the Huskies coming out on top with a 2-1 score.

On day two, Clarion started by facing the Jefferson Falcons from Ohio. Clarion pitchers struck out 7 batters for the 6-2 win.

Clarion then played Saegertown, with the winner earning a spot in the championship game. Clarion won the game 10-8, and a rematch against the Harborcreek Huskies for the championship.

Clarion once again gave Harborcreek a run for their money, but the 10-year olds from Erie were just too much for Clarion. Harborcreek came away with a 6-3 victory.

Clarion Dugout’s second place finish impressed the Erie area with the skills of this young group and gave the team a lot of confidence going into their tournament season.

Clarion Dugout – Butler Township Tournment Champions: Front (L-R) Nick Aaron, Jake Smith, Tanner Miller, Kohen Kemmer, Bryce Brinkley. Middle (L-R) Dawson Smail, Devon Lauer, Jase Ferguson, Gabe Simko, Jack Callen, Brayden Murray, Tommy Smith. Back (L-R) Coach David Smail, Manager Bill Smith, Coach Chadd Murray, Coach Mike Ferguson.

CLARION DUGOUT 9U DOMINATES BUTLER TOWNSHIP TOURNAMENT
The Clarion Dugout 9U took first place at the June 6-7, 2015 Butler Township Baseball Tournament, dominating the field by only allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, and striking out 38.

Clarion won all four games in The Butler Township Tournament. The Dugout defeated Lower Burrell 10-3. They also had three shutout games. They downed Grove City 10-0, Meridian 9-0 and Mars 10-0.

HITS FOR DUGOUT PLAYERS IN BUTLER TOWNSHIP TOURNAMENT
Bryce Brinkley 4 for 7; Dawson Smail 4 for 7; Tommy Smith 6 for 8; Brayden Murray 6 for 10; Gabe Simko 1 for 4;
Jase Ferguson 5 for 9; Devon Lauer 6 for 10; Jack Callen 1 for 10; Nick Aaron 3 for 9; Jake Smith 2 for 7; Kohen Kemmer 2 for 5; Tanner Miller 3 for 6.

Clarion American Legion Post #66 sponsored the Dugout for both tournaments.

Clarion was scheduled to play June Saturday and Sunday, June 13th and 14th, in Center Township.