Ontario Green beats Alberta to capture T12 championship

Ontario Green players celebrate after capturing the Tournament 12 championship on Monday afternoon at Rogers Centre. Photo Credit: Nikolas Marsiglio

By Nicole Fiorini

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO – Left hander Caleb Clark had five strikeouts in four strong innings to lead Team Ontario Green to a 5-2 victory over Team Alberta and its first-ever win at Tournament 12.

The scouting event is put on annually by the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy at the Rogers Centre.

Even more impressive is that Clark (Orillia, Ont.) is only 14.

He finished the five-day tournament with a 1.29 earned run average, mostly facing hitters three- or four-years older.

“Being 14-years-old and facing 18-year-olds is pretty good experience,” said Clark, surrounded by happy teammates after the trophy presentation. “I was very happy they picked me to be here, and overall the experience has been great.

“Everyone came together as a whole at the end and we got the victory.”

Ontario Green third basemen TJ Schofield-Sam (batting) had two RBIs in the T12 championship game on Monday afternoon at Rogers Centre. Photo Credit: Nikolas Marsiglio

Third baseman TJ Schofield-Sam, who hit .278 overall, had two RBIs and also reached base on a fielder’s choice, bringing Noel McGarry Doyle in to score Team Ontario’s third run.

Team Green opened strong, scoring two runs in the first inning by putting runners on and taking advantage of a fielder’s choice and a ground out off Alberta pitcher Adam Macko, who went three innings and allowed four earned runs and had five strikeouts.

Alberta closed the gap to 2-1 in the top of the third when a resounding triple by Willy Alexander Diaz Vasquez brought home Michael Brisson.

However, a Zach Gardiner double scoring two in the bottom of the fourth put Ontario up 4-1, and Gardiner came home on a single by Schofield-Sam.

Pitcher Drew Howard threw 2 1/3 strong innings in relief to wrap up the championship.

This was the sixth year of the tournament, whose commissioner is Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar.

The 12-time All-Star from Puerto Rico works closely alongside the Blue Jays Baseball Academy to further develop baseball in Canada, and to showcase the talent to NCAA schools and Major League scouts.

Four other former Jays were coaching at the tournament, including Jesse Barfield, Duane Ward, Lloyd Moseby, and Tanyon Sturtze.

Clark wrapped up what many players were thinking this weekend.

“Hopefully one day, I can make it to the big leagues and pitch here for the Jays.”