Jason Stockfish | [email protected]
The Jasper Mixed Slo-Pitch League held their annual playoffs to crown the league鈥檚 鈥淎鈥�, 鈥淏鈥� and 鈥淐鈥� champions on Aug. 13 and 14.
As always, the grounds crew had the diamonds in spectacular shape before the teams hit the fields, and with the music blaring, drinks flowing and kids running amok, the atmosphere was lively as the crowd enjoyed the games and the festivities as much as the players.
When the weekend began, there were 10 teams contesting for the three titles, with five teams placed in one of two divisions.
In the end, there were two teams left standing to claim the 鈥淎鈥� and 鈥淐鈥� championships, with the Raven Bistro Royals and the Whistle Stop聽Rockies sharing the title of 鈥淏鈥� champions, after both sides agreed to forfeit their final due to multiple injuries.
After a grueling, high-scoring matchup, the Bongs defeated the Gangsters 20-15 in the 鈥淐鈥� final.
While it wasn鈥檛 the 鈥淏鈥� title they claimed in 2021, there were big smiles and high fives all around the Bongs鈥� dugout and amongst their loyal fanbase.
Looking to hold on to their coveted trophy as reigning 鈥淎鈥� champions, the Bonestars faced the Barley Kings in the 鈥淎鈥� final.
Both teams played with fierce determination, driving in run after run in the high stakes contest.
In the top of the first inning, the Barley Kings scored six runs, but the Bonestars answered right back with a half dozen of their own to close out the inning.
Going into the seventh and final inning, it was 14-9 and the Barley Kings needed five runs to stay alive.
However, it was not to be as they scored only one, and the Bonestars earned the victory, reclaiming their trophy for another year.
Despite injuries and heartbreaking losses, the weather was top notch, as was the ball, and another successful weekend of playoff slo-pitch entertained the sports-loving masses in Jasper.
