"It's not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference."

The GWA Juniors proved that you can be in any game when you have good pitching and good defense. Erik Walkowiak pitched six strong innings and Colin "Bulldog" Herron, closed the deal with a scoreless seventh as the Greater Wyoming Area Junior Teener team defeated Back Mountain, 4-3. These two teams tangled three times this year--all close games. Back Mountain jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the game, but as usual, the Juniors clawed their way back to tie it 2-2 in the fourth. The Juniors added a pair in the fifth to take a 4-2 lead. Walkowiak pitched out of a no out bases loaded jam in the sixth, only yielding one run. Colin Herron came in to pitch the seventh inning and kept the ball low and away to seal the victory. Jake Granteed had two hits for GWA. Bryant Clark had a big double. Tino Romanelli, Marty Michaels, Erik Walkowiak and Jake Wysocki each had singles.

The Juniors move on to play next Thursday. See the Section 5 Tournament Brackets here.

The Wyoming Area Diamond Club and Pride Mobility are teaming up to sponsor a softball Home Run Derby on Sunday, July 18th.    The open event will be held from noon to 6 pm at Atlas Field on Susquehanna Ave and Erie St in Exeter.    The cost for adults is $10 while the cost for students is $5.  No pre-registration is required—just show up between noon and 6 pm.    

A 230-foot temporary fence will be erected within the Atlas baseball field.  Participants may use their own pitcher, or one will be supplied by the derby organizers.  Each participant will hit until they record 10 outs.   Any swing resulting in a fair ball over the 230-foot fence will be a home run.  Any swing not resulting in a home run will be an “out.”  Only ASA certified softball bats may be used. 

The winner will receive a trophy on Sunday at the end of the competition.   Food and refreshments will be served throughout the day and a 50/50 drawing will be held. 

On Thursday, July 22, there will be a follow-on event that will involve a home run derby competition between Wyoming Area and Pride Mobility.  The top home run hitters from Sunday’s competition who are associated with Wyoming Area (coaches, players, teachers, parents) will compete against the top home run hitters from Pride Mobility.   The public is invited to attend this event which will start at 5:30 PM on Thursday. 

Proceeds from the Home Run Derby will go toward the purchase of a portable backstop for the Wyoming Area Baseball team’s use at Atlas Field.    Contact Nick Perugini at nperuginI@aol.com or 905-4041 for further information.  Also see www.wyomingareabaseball.org. 

• Ballplayers to shag hits/home runs.
• Parents to help with registration and concessions. 2 hour shifts

Ashby Game Photos

Please email Tina Drahus your contact information; beansie18@verizon.net

Player name, Parents names, address, home phone, cell number, email address