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.