The Burnaby Minor Braves just completed their first AAA action of the year winning two and losing a pair. In their first game of the season, the Braves were down 7-2 in the bottom of the seventh against the White Rock Tritons before getting some timely hits, including a bases-loaded double by Michael Stovman scoring three runs and putting himself on third base with a play to the plate. With the game tied and the winning run on third, the unfortunate White Rock closer balked in the winning run, giving the Braves the come from behind victory.
In the game immediately following, the Braves played the Okotoks Red Dawgs team from Calgary. The Braves fell behind early and again fought back for the 8-4 win to complete a successful day.
The next day, the Braves played a good Kamloops team and led for most of the game before some untimely errors allowed the Riverdogs to score three in bottom of the fifth inning to take the lead and the Braves could not muster a comeback again losing 8-7.
In the consolation game, the Braves played the North Shore Twins team and lost a tough game to a good team. Of note, was player of the game Josef Siniscalchi who hit a monster shot over the 300-foot fence, igniting the Braves bench.
Christian Gilchrist and Noah Hanson-Stafford were called up from the Braves AA team and both boys held their own playing up and made some key plays.
Other players of the game included Seth Injates against White Rock, Luke Petreny against Okotoks and Michael Stovman against Kamloops.
Nico Patella, who played stellar defence, added some key hits, stole some bases and played five positions without committing an error, was named the coach's tournament MVP.
