The SOMBA bantam AA Tigers fell short in advancing to the championship game of their 15 and under invitational tournament.
The Tigers lost to rival Vernon Canadians 14-9 in the semifinal round at Carmi Field on July 11. It was their only loss after finishing first in their pool with two wins and no losses.
Tigers coach Aqil Samuel said they dug themselves into a hole against the Canadians that was hard to get out of.
“We battled hard all weekend,” said Samuel, whose team defeated Salmon Arm 9-8 and South Jasper Park AAA 21-11. “We fought to the end. I loved to see that in the kids. I was proud of them.”
Samuel said the game against Salmon Arm was great. Michael Hanson brought in A.J. Reiter with a single.
The Canadians lost to a strong Vancouver Mounties squad.
“The Vancouver team was a juggernaut,” said Samuel. “The best team won for sure.”
Samuel said his players were disappointed in losing to the Canadians, but they had a fun weekend.
“It was fun having a few different teams,” he said.
Switching his coaching hat and speaking as president of SOMBA, Samuel said the visiting teams liked coming to Penticton and have expressed a desire to return. The visiting teams made a holiday of the weekend and got exposed to baseball in the community.
“It was great to see that,” said Samuel. “We are planning next year already.”
