Baseball Training Camp Day 2 Recap

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The second day of Badgers Baseball training camp took place under sunny skies and warm weather at Community Park on Sunday. 

After an intense morning of workouts, the players prepared for their second intrasquad game in as many days. In the game, pitching was the story, as a number of pitchers impressed coaching staff and spectators, including Nick Anton, who allowed one hit over two innings pitched, and struck out one batter, Dave Gardiner who in two innings struck out two, only allowing one hit and one run in the process. Shaun Valeriote pitched one inning, allowing one hit, and Daniel Forte was perfect in one inning worked. 

Also appearing on the mound were Tyler Fluke, who allowed two runs in two innings, and struck out two, while Nick Baljeu struck out three batters over two innings, allowing one run on two hits. Jordan Vecchiarelli allowed one run on one hit over two innings pitched. 

At the plate, a number of players had impressive days. Mitch Peragine went 1-for-2 with a walk and two stolen bases, Benvenuto reached base and scored twice by way of walks, and stole one base in the process. Matt Kissel went 1-for-2 at the dish, and Jordan Vecchiarelli went 1-for-1 with a walk. 

In the field, Garrett Fisher came up big after leaving the COBA playoffs early in order to come to camp. Garrett impressed in the field, making two great defensive plays. In two consecutive plays, Fisher gunned down a runner at home to save a run, then robbed the batter of an infield single after barehanding a slow roller to third base and making a strong throw to first base. 

Joe Kirby and Jeff Gruchy helped the coaching staff for the second straight day, coaching the teams during the scrimmage and throwing batting practice. Also assisting as guest evaluator for the day was former Badger Andrew Tinnish, who was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule as Toronto Blue Jays Director of Amateur Scouting in order to come to camp. 

On Monday, the Badgers will suit up for exhibition play against the Bullettproof Baseball Academy’s Under-18 team, and will take on McMaster on Tuesday, so stay tuned for post-game reviews and wrap-ups. 

Written By: Shawn Eckford (Brock Baseball)