Junior Dust Devils defeat Fernie in double header

Junior Dust Devils #10 Austin Bruder slides home
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Junior Dust Devils hosted Fernie in a double header at Sproule Field Diamond on Saturday, June 15.  Pincher won both baseball games by wide margins.  Despite the big gap on the scoresheet there was still a lot of  that special magic that makes baseball such an intriguing game.

Michael Svab pitching for the Dust Devils

Their loss in the first game seemed to take some of the heart out of Fernie while bolstering the confidence of Pincher Creek players, who were initially behind early on.  Pincher Creek is ahead in their team work and individual skills. Fernie with a bit more polish and confidence will be a good team to watch as there were some shining moments for them.  Their camaraderie in the dugout shows that these kids care about the sport and each other.  Fernie Head Coach George Torresani said "They did great.  They're learning, and they're really starting to play ball."


In the course of the two games Bryce Conley, Matthew Duncan, Austin Bruder,  Michael Svab  and Mitchell Zoratti pitched for Pincher.  Fernie had Wes, Kirkland, Luke James, Chase, and JJ pitching.

Bryce Conley sliding home safe

Svab threw some powerhouse throws and Zorratti was also doing well on the mound.   Chase from Sparwood was a good pitcher aware of the movement on the lines of those trying for a steal.

Close but out at 2nd for Bryce Conley

In the hitting department, Bruder and Hann have really pulled up their game significantly from the beginning of the season and Brandan Geisbrecht made an infield home run.  Wes from Sparwood can hit a beauty when everything is sparking right.  Deloy defended 3rd base like a trooper, doing his best to make it the last stop for many Sparwood players trying to make it home.

Deloy Mackenze guarding 3rd, Fernie player safe for now

If Pincher players can keep their minds in the moment, they will do really well at their tournaments.  Pincher Head Coach Mackenzie said that "There's lots to work on, but these kids have made huge strides from the beginning of the year.  They're doing a nice job hitting at the plate.  There are other areas to work on, but some of the stuff we've been teaching them is paying off."

2013 Junior Dust Devils:

#56 Josh Conley
#14 Brandan Geisbrecht
#25 Deloy Mackenzie
#7 Mitchell Zoratti
#40 Matthew Duncan
#27 Bryce Conley
#10 Austin Bruder
#43 Michael Svab
#13 Jaeger Hann
#2 Beau Walter

2013 Fernie Juniors:

#66 Luke
#47 Allysa
#58 Chase
#71 Wes
#63 James
#61 JJ
#72 Andrew
#48 Sam
#73 Kirkland

Three levels of Dust Devils will host tournaments in Pincher Creek this upcoming weekend starting  at 4:30 on Friday June 21 with Minors, Majors and Juniors all playing on different fields in town.  The tournaments will run through Saturday and Sunday.  These are the big ones folks, come out and cheer our teams on.