Bantam Black Sox in the drivers seat

The Elks Lodge 341 Bantam Black Sox are in the drivers seat heading into day two of the Sports Gold International Challenge being held locally.

After opening with a 9-3 victory over Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Black Sox turned in a fine performance by defeating Marquette by a 16-1 score in four innings.

By running their record to 2-0 on opening day, the Black Sox now head into a double header on day two with the luxury of being able to win one of two games and have a quality shot of playing in Sunday's championship.

Because of the late starts of the two games, the Black Sox play in the final two games of the day at 4:30 and 7 p.m., the Sox will have a good idea of what they need to do in order to move on.

"We're happy with (the 2-0 start)," said Black Sox coach Jason Rooley. "We're glad the way the kids came out and pitched today. Richard MacLennan threw a great game this afternoon and Christopher Buonomo followed up the same, pitching four great innings."

On top of a quality pitching performance against Sault, Michigan, MacLennan also reached base three times with a pair of walks. The Black Sox scored four runs in the fifth inning of the game after a controversial call on a pickoff play at first base, gave the locals new life and they capitalized on the chance.

"We struggled a little bit in the first game," said Rooley. "We got a call and got a break and capitalized on it."

In their second game, against Marquette, the Black Sox used a five-run first inning and a seven-run fourth inning to cruise to a 16-1 victory. In the win, five of the Black Sox first six hitters reached base including a pair of errors.

Ryan McDonald had a pair of hits and a pair of runs scored in the win. Kory Lafreniere also chipped in with a pair of singles.

In the other game of the day, Mansolonna defeated Valley East 19-0 after putting up eight runs and sending 12 hitters to the plate.

Day two of the Sports Gold International Challenge features all teams playing a pair of games.

Action kicks off early on Saturday morning at Sault, MI and Valley East face off at 9 a.m. Sault, MI then proceeds to play the 11:30 game against Marquette. The 2 p.m. game sees Mansolonna face Marquette. The Black Sox then battle in the tournament's next two games by facing Valley East at 4:30 and then Mansolonna at 7 p.m.