The SOMBA AAA peewee Tigers are in Burnaby this weekend looking to represent B.C. in the Canadian minor baseball championships.
The team, which only managed a record of eight wins and five losses during the regular season, really turned some heads at the recent BC AAA Minor Baseball provincial final in Victoria going undefeated in six games.
That tournament levelled the playing field for the Tigers who, being one of only two Interior teams, have to play 90 per cent of their league games on the road in the Lower Mainland and as far away as Vancouver Island and Prince George.
READ MORE: Penticton athletes stepping up to the minor baseball plate
Those away games usually involve two weekend double headers.
Their league record did qualify them for the Victoria event.
The Tigers opened the tourney with a 16-15 win over Prince George and then turned around and knocked off Abbotsford 5-1.
They added a pair of one-run victories over Chilliwack and Burnaby, which qualified them for a spot in the semi’s against White Rock.
In that game it took the Tigers until last inning when they managed a walk-off home run.
READ MORE: Photos: Penticton Tigers show off their skills during the July 13 jamboree
The club then went up against Abbotsford again and clinched the championship with a 7-3 win.
“These kids played their hearts out and cheered on all their teammates every time someone was up to bat,” said team spokesperson Erin Moore.
They go into this weekend’s event ranked the number one team in B.C. and if they win will go on to the nationals in Quebec at the end of the month.
The 12 boys and four coaches have worked throughout the year to hone their skills to play at the high level.
@PentictonNews
newstips@pentictonwesternnews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
MarkBrett
Send Mark Brett an email.
Like the Western News on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.
