Braves Eliminated after 10-2 Loss to Vancouver Community

Despite being vary much alive with an 0-2 record, the Burnaby Braves gave up ten unanswered runs Friday evening and were eliminated from the BC Minor Provincial Championships after a 10-2 loss to Vancouver Community. The Braves jumped out to an early lead in the first thanks to a leadoff single from Brendan Wang who was scored by a Sam Van Snellenberg double. Michael Briglio then scored Van Snellenberg to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. The Mounties would score an unearned run in the 3rd to cut the deficit to one and then broke the game open in the 4th scoring seven times on only three hits. Despite getting base runners each inning, the Braves were unable to get back in the game. At the end of the day, over three games in provincials the Braves were actually able to out hit their opposition 18-17. However, the offensive production was limited to the top six spots in the batting order that combined to go 18/56 while the bottom three positions went hitless in 27 at bats. The defense, while acceptable at times, made eight errors, many at critical times, leading to ten unearned runs over the three games. Braves pitchers issued 14 walks on Friday. These factors ultimately combined to result in an 0-3 record and an early exit from the tournament. The Braves will play Nanaimo Saturday afternoon in a game that will have no impact on the final standings. Nanaimo currently sits at 1-1 but their fate will be determined by their morning result against Community as the winner of that game will advance as the second seed; joining Delta who have won Group B. Daniel Martin starts for Burnaby.