Hatters win bronze at junior Little League nationals

By Ryan McCracken on August 11, 2017.

Dale Woodard

Lethbridge Heraldsports@lethbridgeherald.com

Following a tough semifinal loss to Ontario Wednesday at the Junior Little League Canadian Championship, Alberta coach Bob Rath spoke of the importance of bouncing back in a game the next day with a medal still on the line.

On the final day of Nationals and with a bronze medal still up for grabs, the Alberta rep Medicine Hat Little League responded in spades with a 14-0 win over Coquitlam Little League / Fraser Valley from B.C. in the third-place game Thursday afternoon at Spitz Stadium.

Medicine Hat started with a 3-0 lead after two inning and poured it on late with three runs in the fourth inning, two in the fifth and six more in the sixth.

Meanwhile, Alberta’s starting pitcher Heyden Harrison went the complete six innings, tossing a three-hitter, walking one and striking out two.

“We spoke to them today about the importance of showing up and playing with pride,” said Rath, whose team lost 7-3 to the Oakville Whitecaps from Ontario in the semifinal Wednesday afternoon. “That was Medicine Hat baseball. Hitting the ball and finally scoring some runs. So it was nice to see. We’re definitely proud of the kids.”

In addition to his stellar outing on the bump, Harrison batted 2-for-4 with one runs scored and one RBI.

“It was one of our best pitching outings of the week, definitely proud of him,” said Rath.

Harrison noted his team’s resolve after the loss on Wednesday.

“It was completely a bounce-back from yesterday’s game. Everybody picked themselves up and we played well. That wasn’t what we did yesterday, but a win is a win and we’re happy.”

With the season complete and the bronze medal secured, all but one player in this year’s Alberta roster graduates from the program.

“I just wish them all the best,” said Rath. “There are some good ball kids here with a lot talent. If they keep the right attitude and play hard, they’ll go far. I wish them all the best.”

Among the players moving is Harrison, capping off his Little League stint with a national medal.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “Canadians was great for everyone here. I wish I could have went before, but it was amazing, such a great experience.”

Medicine Hat catcher Felix Miller went 4-for-4 in the bronze medal game with four runs scored and three RBI, while shortstop Tory Nelson was 2-for-5 with three runs scored and one RBI.

Third baseman and centre fielder Ty Olinski also had a multi-hit game for Medicine Hat, going 2-for-3 with three RBI.

With this three RBI Thursday, Miller batted in seven runs during the week, as did Nelson.