Leamington Lakers Mosquito Majors, sponsored by Leamington Chevy-Buick-GMC, successfully defended their title this weekend at Kinsmen Diamonds.

Lakers went through the weekend 6-0 in a performance over 3 days that required significant contributions from every member of the team; but it was not without its drama.

In the first of 4 round robin games Lakers were up against Lasalle Titans, a game that set the tone for the weekend. Bats were firing from the off in a game Lakers won 34-7, with 16 runs coming in the 5th inning alone, courtesy of Carter Chorba, Josh Joseph, Rhys Tipper, Zack Liebrock, Trent Szorvas and Chris Joseph.

Game 2 saw us face Waterloo for the first time, and the Lakers kept up the momentum, finishing the game in 3 innings, with a score of 21-3. Doubles from Grant Symons and Owen Deneau set the tone for the game, and Kurtis Joseph wrapped things up with 4 strikeouts in his 2 innings pitched.

The first game on Saturday morning proved a lot tougher against Sarnia in a pivotal game. Symons led things off on the hill striking out 4 over 2 innings despite taking a full blooded drive to the shin midway through the first inning. Noah Friesen, Maxwell Carr, J Joseph and Matthew Giesbrecht all collected multiple hits as Lakers raced into a 6 run lead, which was very nearly erased. Sarnia came back strongly in the final innings, but Liebrock came from the bullpen to steady the ship and close out a tense game, winning 13-11.

With a place in the semi finals now secure there was still first place to play for against Tecumseh, who had also already qualified. Max Carr was given the start and produced an outstanding display, pitching all 6 innings without allowing a single run. Tecumseh were never given a chance to get going with the Lakers’ well drilled defence proving impenetrable. The offence was just as strong with 6 bases stolen throughout the game, and 5 runs scored in the 5th to put the game to bed; it finished 11-0.

Sunday morning was Semi-Final time against Essex. Lakers got off to a slow start and found themselves 9-2 down in the 3rd and looked doomed, before they rose from their slumber and came alive. With bases loaded Friesen hit a triple in the 4th to bring in 3 runs and the boys never looked back after that. Tipper hit a home run in the 5th to bring in 2 more and the pendulum had swung in their favour. Tipper pitched the last 3 innings for the loss of zero runs, and a defence that committed no errors. Lakers won out 13-9 and headed to the final.

Giesbrecht took the mound for the championship game and was immediately in the groove striking out the first 6 batters. With only a 30 minute break after the semi final the bats were still on fire, with Giesbrecht, K Joseph and Friesen all with multiple hits.

Giesbrecht continued his fine pitching and Lakers ran out comfortable winners 16-1 and repeat and champions.

Congratulations to all the team and coaches for a job very well done.