Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Tyler Branchaud’s first-inning little league homer set the tone for the Napanee U20 Express as they blanked Saskatchewan’s Rosebud Junior Royals 7-0 on Friday evening at the Napanee Fairgrounds.
Branchaud’s hard hit ball skipped through the infield and handcuffed the Royals outfielder, allowing Tyler Franklin to score from second and Branchaud to circle the bases for the game’s first two runs.
That was more than enough for pitchers Connor Brooks and Brad Barker who combined for the shutout with the game halted after five innings via the mercy rule.
Jacob Boutillier drove in a pair of runs on three hits while Gavin Brooks and Barker each drove in a run.
Connor Brooks delivered another strong start for the U20 Express, who went unbeaten in the round robin. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
The victory capped off a perfect 7-0 round robin for Napanee, who heads into tomorrow’s playoff round as the top seed. Their opponent is yet to be determined. Playoff games start at 1 p.m. and will be played throughout the day with games at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Napanee’s U20 Express met with members of the 1982 Napanee Legionnaires prior to Friday’s game. The Legionnaires were the first Napanee team to capture a national fast pitch title and were honoured prior to the game for the 40th anniversary of their record setting accomplishment. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
Prior to Friday’s game members of the 1982 Napanee Legionnaires were welcomed to the field. They were the first Napanee club to capture a Canadian championship, doing so on home turf at the King Street Park diamonds. U20 Express batboy Grayson Rowe, a member of the U11 Express, threw out the first pitch to his grandfather and member of the 1982 Legionnaires, Bryce Rowe.
Grayson Rowe of the Napanee U11 Express hugs his grandpa Bryce Rowe, a member of the 1982 Napanee Legionnaires, who caught his grandson’s ceremonial first pitch prior to Friday’s game. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.