New York Gremlins Secure Win Against Bear Creek Express at Chief’s Challenge

From Game Changer Media

NY Gremlins were the first to get on the board in the third when Jerome Raemaki singled, scoring one run.

Two more NY Gremlins runs crossed the plate in the fourth inning to extend the lead to 3-0. Cole Evans hit a solo home run to left field, and a wild pitch scored one run.

NY Gremlins scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth on a home run to left field by Erick Ochoa.

Pablo Migliavacca earned the win for NY Gremlins. The starting pitcher allowed zero hits and zero runs over three and two-thirds innings, striking out six and walking three. Sean Cleary took the loss for Bear Creek Express. The starting pitcher went five innings, surrendering five runs on eight hits, striking out 10 and walking none. Jack Besgrove tossed three and one-third innings of zero-run ball for NY Gremlins in relief. The reliever gave up two hits, striking out three and walking one.

Ochoa drove the middle of the lineup, leading NY Gremlins with two runs batted in. They went 1-for-3 on the day. Mathieu Roy set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading NY Gremlins with three hits in four at bats. Evans collected two hits for NY Gremlins in three at bats. Roy stole two bases. NY Gremlins turned one double play in the game. NY Gremlins were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Nick Mullins made the most plays with nine.

Jordan Pomeroy and Tyler Pauli each collected one hit for Bear Creek Express. Wayne Laulu paced Bear Creek Express with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, accumulating four walks for the game. Bear Creek Express were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Ryan Boland made the most plays with 13.

Box Score

Recap:

A Slow Start Gives Way to Fireworks

The game began as a pitcher’s duel, with both teams going scoreless through the first two innings. The Express’s starter, Sean Cleary, came out strong, racking up strikeouts and keeping the powerful Gremlins lineup at bay. However, the dam broke in the third inning when the Gremlins pushed across their first run, setting the stage for what was to come.

If there was a player of the game award, it would be a tough choice between the Gremlins’ Mattheiu Roy and Cole Evans. Roy was a thorn in the Express’s side all night, going 3-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, and two stolen bases. He was the spark plug that kept the Gremlins’ offense humming.

Not to be outdone, Evans put on a show of his own, going 2-for-3 with a solo home run that helped break the game open. His defensive work at shortstop was equally impressive, anchoring a Gremlins defense that played error-free ball all night.

The Gremlins’ power was on full display in the middle innings. Erick Ochoa joined the home run party, launching a two-run shot that pushed the lead to a comfortable margin. With Ochoa and Evans both going deep, the Express found themselves in a hole they couldn’t climb out of.

While the offense was lighting up the scoreboard, the Gremlins’ pitching duo of P Migliavacca and J Besgrove were painting a masterpiece on the mound. Migliavacca set the tone early, throwing 3.2 innings of no-hit ball with 6 strikeouts. Besgrove picked up right where Migliavacca left off, allowing just two hits over the final 3.1 innings while striking out 3.

The Express hitters were kept off balance all night, managing only two hits total – one each from Jordan Pomeroy and pinch-hitter Tyler Pauli. Despite a valiant 10-strikeout performance from their starter Sean Cleary, the Express couldn’t solve the Gremlins’ pitching puzzle.

By the Numbers

• Game: NY Gremlins vs. Bear Creek Express
• Event: Chief’s Challenge
• Tournament Location: Simcoe, Ontario
• Date: Friday, June 21, 2024
• Final Score: NY Gremlins 5, Bear Creek Express 0

Game Progression: 1st Inning: No scoring 2nd Inning: No scoring 3rd Inning: NY Gremlins score 1 run 4th Inning: NY Gremlins score 2 runs 5th Inning: NY Gremlins score 2 runs 6th Inning: No scoring 7th Inning: Game ends (NY Gremlins didn’t bat in the bottom of the 7th)

Offense

NY Gremlins:

• Total: 5 runs, 8 hits, 0 errors
• Standout Performers:
  1. M Roy (LF): 3-for-4, 2 runs scored, 1 double, 2 stolen bases
  2. E Ochoa (1B): 1-for-3, 1 run, 1 HR, 2 RBIs
  3. C Evans (SS): 2-for-3, 1 run, 1 HR, 1 RBI
• Other contributors: J Raemaki (1 hit, 1 RBI), B Hunter (1 hit)
• Home Runs: E Ochoa, C Evans
• Extra-Base Hits: M Roy (double), E Ochoa (HR), C Evans (HR)
• The team showed both power (2 HRs) and speed (2 SBs by M Roy)

Bear Creek Express:

• Total: 0 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors
• Only two players recorded hits:
  1. J Pomeroy (CF): 1-for-3
  2. T Pauli: 1-for-1 (pinch hit)
• The team struggled offensively, striking out 9 times and leaving 5 runners on base

Pitching

NY Gremlins:

• P Migliavacca: 3.2 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 3 BB, 6 SO
• J Besgrove: 3.1 IP, 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 BB, 3 SO
• Combined: 7.0 IP, 2 hits, 0 runs, 4 BB, 9 SO
• Impressive shutout performance, allowing only two hits

Bear Creek Express:

• S Cleary: 5.0 IP, 8 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 0 BB, 10 SO, 2 HR allowed
• A Folkard: 1.0 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 BB, 3 SO
• Despite the loss, Cleary managed to strike out 10 batters

Defense:

• Both teams played error-free defense

Key Moments:

1. NY Gremlins broke the scoreless tie in the 3rd inning
2. E Ochoa’s home run drove in 2 runs
3. C Evans’ solo home run added to the Gremlins’ lead