Creemore 14U AA battles hard in Summer Solstice Tournament

Creemore Minor Baseball’s 14U AA team put on a spectacular show at the 2025 Summer Solstice tournament, coming within a whisker of the title before falling to the Burlington Bulls in a dramatic extra-innings championship game.

The Creemore squad entered the tournament with high hopes and delivered an outstanding performance throughout pool play. In their first game, they dominated the Newmarket Hawks 17-2. Keenan Reynolds led the offensive charge with four hits, whileConnor Greenside kept the Hawks at bay with two scoreless innings on the mound.

Game two saw Creemore edge out the Guelph Royals 6-5 in a rain- shortened contest. Reece Fuller pitched a complete game and Thomas Weldon had a clutch sacrifice. The team’s momentum continued in game three, where they routed the High Park Hawks 18-2. Drew Hamilton was stellar on the mound, pitching a complete game to secure the win.

Advancing to the playoffs, Creemore faced Collingwood in the semi- final. The team’s bats stayed hot in a 17-7 victory. Grayson Fisher was a standout, driving in four runs and stealing three bases. Hayden Goodfellow-Oster provided crucial relief with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, while Dylan Rayburn and Rhys

Rowbotham each crossed the plate twice.

The championship game was a classic, with Creemore battling the Burlington Bulls through seven innings before extra innings were needed. Burlington won 12-11 in nine innings.

The day was gruelling, with the humidex soaring to 44 ̊C. Evan Wells had three hits and pitched four strong innings, Nate Patterson scored three runs and pitched four innings giving up just one run, and Cooper Duits contributed three hits. Despite the team’s grit, Burlington prevailed, with Thomas MacDonald named player of the game, Owen McConkey going 3-for-5 with two RBI, and JB Axford earning the win.

The Creemore 14U AA team leaves the tournament with heads held high, undefeated in pool play and a runner-up finish in a hard-fought championship. Their skill, determination, and sportsmanship were on full display.

Parent volunteers played a vital role throughout the weekend, serving as diamond grounds crew during rainy conditions on Saturday and operating concession stands all weekend long. Tournament convenors JD Bell and Sheila Goodfellow ensured everything ran smoothly, providing leadership and support.

The 14U Cardinals’ next home game is Friday, July 4 at 6 p.m. vs Martingrove.