Niagara Nationals win Cougar Classic

Led by a good nucleus of Medina and Albion area players, the Niagara Nationals captured top honors at the Rochester Cougar Classic held this past weekend in Greece.

The Nationals went 3-0 during pool play outscoring their opponents 35-4 and then defeated the Elmira Jr. Pioneers 9-7 in the semifinals and the host Rochester Cougars 10-0 in the title contest.

Going into the playoff bracket on Sunday the nationals were the No. 2 seed. Taking on the Elmira Jr Pioneers first, the Nationals jumped out to a commanding 7-1 lead behind strong pitching and timely hitting.

However, the Pioneers fought their way back behind some defensive miscues and timely hits to tie the game at 7-7.

In the bottom of the fifth inning the Nationals were able to push across two runs behind a double by Brian Fry.

In the sixth, Chris Goyette took over on the mound to close door and secure the hard fought victory.

The Nationals then took on the Rochester Cougars in the championship contest. The Nationals jumped on them early with a run in each of the first three innings behind some timely two out hits from Goyette and Liam Ward.
The Nationals pitching staff dominated the Cougars and the defense was outstanding as stealing several hits away from the Cougars.
The Nationals eventually pulled away from the Cougars and won the game 10-0. Contributing in all aspects of game all weekend from pitching, defense, hitting and base running were Nathan Sherman, AJ Seefeldt, Ward, Goyette and Trevor Luthart. Fry was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for his defense and timely hitting.

The Nationals will wrap up their season this weekend in the Battle at the Falls Tournament held in Niagara county.