Rainy River Legion now 5 and 1

Ken Johnston
Editor

The Rainy River Legion fastball team slugged their way to a 17-6 victory over the Stratton Bobcats Thursday evening in Rainy River.
Legion starting pitcher Murray Armstrong struck out the first two Bobcats. Then Colin Heyens hit a double, but that would be as far as he would make it as Curtis Shelloff hit a fly and was out.
Ken Gess was walked by Bobcat starting pitcher Chris Pollard. Gess then set the tone for the rest of the game when he aggressively stole second. He was followed by Rick Tymkin who was also walked by Pollard. Tymkin then followed Gess’ lead and stole second which drew the catcher’s throw and allowed Gess to steal home and score.
The next two batters, Don Gall and Murray Armstrong went out. Gall hit a pop fly and Armstrong struck out. With two out and a runner in scoring position Jim Chorney was thrown out at first to end the inning with RR up 1-0.
Armstrong made quick work of the next three Bobcats. Andy Gouliquer and Chris Pollard both flew out and Mitch Gouliquer struck out.
In the bottom of second a struggling Pollard on the mound allowed four runs before being pulled. Walter Wagner hit a single and was followed by a bunt by Brent Anderson. The bunt advanced Wagner and the speed of Anderson saw him called safe at 1st, just beating the throw. Mat Ashworth was then hit by a pitch to load the bases for Cam Hanson. However he flew out. Ken Gess then hit a double which scored both Wagner and Anderson. Rick Tymkin then hit a pop-fly.
The saying it starts at two seemed to be in the minds of the next three batters. Don Gall hit a single that scored both Ashworth and Gess. Stratton then pulled Pollard and placed Curtis Berg on the mound.
Murray Armstrong was then walked. Jim Chorney then was walked. A ball in the dirt by Berg saw the RR runners in motion and due to the overthrow they advanced two bases each and scored two more. Walter Wagner then batted for the second time that inning but flew out. It was 7-0 for RR after two.
In the third the first batter flew out. Mark Heyens then hit a single. Tom Vandenbrand then hit a single to left field. After the next player struck out Colin Heyens hit a single and scored Mark Heyens. But that was where the rally ended as Shelloff was struck out to end their inning.
In the bottom of three Anderson walked, Hanson and Gess each hit singles. Tymkin then hit a single and earned 2 RBIs. Gall then hit a triple and earned two more RBIs. The inning ended with the Legion winning 12-1.
In the fourth Stratton rallied to score three more runs despite a fresh pitcher, Guy Arpin, coming into the game, with Andy and Mitch Gouliquer and Mike Anderson hitting singles. An aggressive Anderson stole 2nd and then scored on a pass ball.
Bottom of the inning saw RR held to only one run as the Bobcats’ defense kicked into high gear.
However Arpin answered back with a K and two hitters thrown out at first.
In the bottom of the 5th Don Gall hit the only home run of the game with empty bases. Scott Ricci hit a single and stole 2nd. He was belted in by Walter Wagner who hit a double and earned an RBI. But that was all Stratton would allow RR. It was 15-4 and the Bobcats were hoping for another rally.
However a tough Arpin on the mound made no mistakes. He struck out the first two batters and then allowed a single to Mike Anderson. Mark Heyens nailed a ball to right field and an error by Ricci saw him safely land at 2nd. Anderson was advanced to third and that is where he would be stranded.
In the bottom of the 6th RR scored two more runs to lead 17-4.
In Stratton’s last bats the first two batters were thrown out at first. Then a small rally began with Tony Armstrong made it to first on an error by Jim Chorney. Andy Gouliquer then smacked a ball deep into the field to get a triple and score Armstrong. Another error by Ricci saw Gouliquer score. Curtis Berg then hit a single and the momentum definitely seemed to be on the Bobcat’s side. But Arpin was not frayed enough to give up. He struck out Mitch Gouliquer to end the game 17-6.
Rainy River also defeated Big Island last Tuesday 5-3. RR is now 5-1 on the season.
Other league stats
May 21 Hyatt’s at home 6 Bulldogs 5
May 23 Rainy 11 Sight & Sound 1
Home runs Guy Arpin, Murray Armstrong and Harvey Flammond
May 16 Big Grassy 6 Barwick 7