The Howe Sound Cannons are back on top of the North Shore Men’s Baseball Association (NSMBA) mountain.
Howe Sound saved its best baseball for the end of the season, sweeping the Vancouver Cardinals in a best of three series that concluded in North Vancouver on Saturday (Aug. 16).
Game one occurred on Aug. 14 in rainy weather and the teams traded runs early on but the game was busted wide open in the fourth inning by a David Jones RBI double followed by a bases clearing triple by Grant Malm.
The game was called after five innings due to rain but the Cannons earned the 8-1 victory, with pitcher Jeremy Galley picking up the complete game win.
Game two went down on Aug. 16 and the Cannons jumped out to a 7-0 lead after three innings but the Cardinals chipped away and the lead was only two runs heading into the seventh. Howe Sound added a run in the top of the seventh and the Cardinals loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh but pitcher Jack Thompson shut the door to secure the 8-5 win and clinch the championship.
The Cannons got a team effort in the title game, with Thompson and Matt Taylor picking up three hits. Galley, Malm and Tor Purvis all added two hits apiece.
Manager Alex Wishy was recognized as the NSMBA manager of the year after leading his team to the championship in his rookie year, while “Big Daddy” Kraz won the playoff MVP award.
Howe Sound had previously won all four round robin playoff games earlier this month to qualify for the NSMBA title series.
The Cannons also recognized Matty Taylor as team MVP after leading the cannons in batting average, hits, walks and runs. Jack Thompson won the top pitcher award and Kevin Smilie received rookie of the year honours.
The title win is the sixth in the past eight years for the Cannons, who have established a dynasty of sorts in the NSMBA.
For more information on the club, visit www.ballcharts.com/hscannons.
