Black Sox split on opening day at Coca Cola Classic

The Soo Black Sox ended the first day of the Coca Cola Classic Invitational Tournament on a high, but getting there was tough.

The Black Sox opened the tournament with a tough 10-9 loss to the Soo, Michigan-based E.U.P. Travellers after opening up a 9-2 lead through five innings. The Travellers scored eight runs in the game's final two innings to complete the come-from-behind victory.

Bryce Grimard, Jeff Buchan, and Justin Soltys had a pair of hits each in the loss.

Game two was expected to be a tough test for the Sox as they faced the defending champion Gladwin Post 147.

The Sox got off to a quick start though and never looked back as they defeated Gladwin handily, 10-0 in a game where every Black Sox starter reached base.

After making quick work of Gladwin in the opening inning, the Black Sox capitalized in the bottom of the inning by loading the bases with just one out. A fielder's choice led to the game's first run as the Sox scored three times in the inning to open up a 3-0 lead.

A three-run inning was all pitcher J.J. Bergamin would need as he pitched himself out of trouble on a couple of occasions, but did look sharp.

The second inning saw the locals tack on a few more insurance runs. After loading the bases with none out, Gladwin got two quick outs only to see the Black Sox pick up a pair of two-run singles to break the game wide-open.

A pair of runs in the fourth inning and a single run in the fifth sealed off the victory for the Black Sox who head into day two with a 1-1 record.

David DaDalt had a good day at the plate picking up a pair of hits and also being hit by a pitch to reach base. The outfielder also had three runs scored. Kyle Sayers had a pair of singles and a walk in the game.

"The biggest thing was that everybody came ready to play tonight (Friday)," said Black Sox coach Ryan Johns. "It was a lack of focus and intensity (that led to the morning loss) and the guys were ready to go tonight. Anytime you can get out of here in five innings is an added bonus."

The Black Sox now prepare to suit up for a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon as they wrap up their round robin schedule. The Sox will face the Marquette Blues at 2 p.m. and then face Sudbury Bristol at 4:30, both at Sinclair Yard, where all games are taking place.

Other action on Friday saw Marquette defeat Sudbury 9-1.

Other Saturday games include the E.U.P. Travellers facing Sudbury at 9 a.m. and Gladwin immediately following at 11:30. The final game on Saturday will feature Marquette and Gladwin at 7 p.m.

The tournament championship is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and will feature the first and second place teams from the round robin.