Renegades U-16 pitcher Brent Houle delivers off the mound. (Submitted photo)
WESTFIELD – The Batter’s Box is making a solid pitch to be THE destination for potential ball players in the Whip City.
The Box’s Renegades had two teams participate in the “Dream Bats Invitational Tournament,” and although the results were mixed – the Under-18 team finished 2-1, while the U-16 went 1-2 – lightning struck twice for the local ball clubs.
U-16’s Brent Houle, of Westfield, and U-18’s Selah Dalomba (Amherst) threw not-hitters on consecutive days for the Batter’s Box.
Houle pitched a complete-game no-hitter with eight strikeouts last Friday against the Dream Bats. Dalomba came back on Saturday with his own no-no, recording seven strikeouts against the Dirt Dogs, of Boston.
The Box’s U-18 team exploded with offense in this tournament. Chris Riga batted .667 with five RBIs to lead the team. Tim Kelleher (.600 BA, 4 RBIs, 5 runs scored, 4 stolen bases), Sam Blake (.500 BA, 5 RBIs, 4 runs), Brendan Roach (.400 BA, 3 RBIs), Ashton Kennedy (.400 BA, 4 RBIs), Jeff Sobotka (.333 BA, 2 RBIs), and Tony Pedruczny (.300 BA, 2 RBIs) were the other top offensive contributors.
SELAH DALOMBA
Renegades U-18 pitcher
The Renegades outscored their opposition 26-10.
Liam Flaherty, Kelleher, Riga and Kevin Cournoyer also handled the pitching duties. Cournoyer, Flaherty and Sobotka were outstanding on defense.
“I think overall that this shows the kind of talent we’re pulling from different markets … and how the players are putting it together,” Batter’s Box owner Tim Kelleher said. “We’re nearing the end of our first year (in existence), and I’m pleased with our progress. We’re finally producing results as seen over last weekend.”
Next up for the U-18 Renegades: the Triple Crown tournament in Branford, Conn., August 16-18.
In the U-16’s only victory, Houle’s no-hitter, the offense was highlighted by WHS’ Jon Strzempek and Brent Houle, who had two hits apiece, and Colin Blake (St. Mary’s), Kenny McLean (WHS), Jake Parson (Westfield Voc-Tech), Mark Couture (West Springfield), and Joe Cardoropoli (Agawam), who each managed RBIs.
The hot hitters throughout the three-game stretch included Parson (.625 BA), McLean (.400 BA), Strzempek (.400 BA), Colin Dunn (.400 BA), and Blake (.333).
Notes: The Renegades U-18 team is made up of players from Westfield, Southwick, Gateway, Amherst, Hadley, and Quabbin high schools. The U-16 is comprised primarily of players from the Westfield area, including Agawam, West Springfield, and Gateway. …The Batter’s Box also has a 14-year-old team (4-3) which is in the midst of a 12-game schedule.
