Cloverdale Rangers win the 18U College Prep provincial title in Trail, B.C., and will now represent the province at nationals in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Dominant Championship Win Caps Off Strong Tournament Run
The Cloverdale Rangers have secured the 18U College Prep provincial championship after a commanding 14–2 victory over the Township Blue Sox on August 4 in Trail, B.C. The win capped a 4–1 run through the tournament, where the Rangers dropped only one game during round-robin play. With the provincial crown in hand, the team will now represent British Columbia at the national championships in Fort McMurray, Alberta, from August 13 to 18.
Offensive Firepower and Stellar Pitching Lead the Way
The Rangers wasted no time in the championship final, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back. Pitcher Linden Gemmell delivered a dominant five-inning performance, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out three. Offensively, Cloverdale scored five runs in the fourth inning alone, sealing the outcome early behind RBIs from Sam Moar, Jase Ferguson, and Matthew Fortuna. Dylan Bird closed the game with a clean sixth inning, adding two strikeouts.
Balanced Attack Carried Cloverdale Through Pool Play
Cloverdale opened the tournament with a 7–2 win over the Blue Sox on July 31, followed by a thrilling 3–2 win over North Fraser Nationals on August 1, where Fortuna’s solo homer in the sixth proved decisive. Their only blemish came in a close 7–6 loss to the host Trail Orioles on August 2, with the winning run scored on a late-game walk. Still, the Rangers finished first in Pool A, advancing to the semifinals.
Semi-Final Victory Earns Spot in Title Match
In the semifinal, Cloverdale edged out the North Shore Knights 5–3. After trailing early, the Rangers rallied with timely hits and patient plate discipline, including six walks. Key contributions again came from Fortuna and White, who combined for four hits and multiple RBIs to lift their team into the final round.
Team Depth and Discipline Fuel Tournament Success
Throughout the tournament, the Rangers showed consistency at the plate and on the mound. Across five games, they compiled 11+ hits multiple times, while pitching staff delivered under pressure. The team drew 27 walks over the tournament, a testament to their discipline and approach. Multiple players—including Ferguson, Moar, and Fortuna—registered standout offensive numbers.
Next Stop: National Stage in Fort McMurray
With the provincial banner secured, the Cloverdale Rangers now shift focus to the 18U national championships in Fort McMurray. As one of the top contenders from B.C., they will face elite competition from across the country. For a team that has shown resilience, balance, and explosive potential, the national stage offers a chance to make an even bigger statement.
This article is original and written specifically for SurreySpeak.com
