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Thunder off to booming start The Kingston Thunder's debut in the American Amateur Baseball Congress was a success any way you look at it. They took both games, one by winning ugly, the other by kicking some serious fanny. In yesterday's season-opening doubleheader at Woodbine Park, the Thunder managed just two hits in the opener but still edged the Ottawa Knights 10-9, thanks in large part to an erratic Ottawa pitching staff. Kingston also won the nightcap in somewhat more convincing fashion, 24-6. In Game 1, the Thunder tallied half of their runs on bases-loaded walks, five of the dozen walks surrendered by Ottawa moundsmen. Robbie Meyers, in relief of starter Kris Grant, earned the pitching decision with three innings of work. Mat Labranche notched the save with a scoreless seventh inning. Kingston had the second game in the bag - 20-6 - after five frames but played on due to the absence of a mercy rule or a time limit. Winning pitcher Cole Kaiser helped himself with a productive day at the plate. He punched out three hits, knocked home three runs and scored five to lead the Thunder. Grant also had three of the team's 16 hits. On Saturday, the bantam Thunder club were drummed 14-3 in an exhibition game against the Brockville Bunnies minor-midget club. Kingston and Ottawa hook up again next Saturday at Woodbine Park for another AABC twinbill starting at noon.
Kingston Thunder pitcher Kris Grant winds up during the first game of an American Amateur Baseball Congress bantam doubleheader against the Ottawa Knights at Woodbine Park yesterday. Kingston won the twinbill 10-9 and 24-6. For more photos, go to the News & Sports photo gallery at www.thewhig.com. Mark Bergin/The Whig-Standard |
