Larry Wolfe

The Winter Softball League ended with a seeded double-elimination tournament. In the Lakes Division tournament opener, the number two-seeded Young Realty team edged third-seeded Wolfe & Associates 13-12. Jeff Jay and Dennis LePore paced the Realtors with three hits each, while Doug Warwick had a walk and three hits for the Wolves.

In the second game, the fourth-seeded A-1 Golf Cart squad upset the number one-seeded Core Photography team by a 21-16 score. Bob Montelione had a perfect 5 for 5 game for the Golfers, while Terry Zeltinger added four base knocks; Mike Willits was 3 for 3 with two walks. Frank Rouse spearheaded the Photographers attack with four hits and a walk, while Manager Gary Hillabolt added three singles and a double.

Two more games were played on the second day of the three-day tournament. The Young Realtors continued their winning ways with a 14-11 win over A-1 Golf Carts. Pitcher Gene Granquist was 4 for 4 with a single, two doubles, and a triple to lead the way for the Realtors. (Who said pitchers can’t hit?) Tom Lorgan and Mike Willits were both 3 for 3 with a walk for the Golfers.

In the losers’ bracket, Core Photography eliminated Wolfe & Associates in a 19-18 nail biter. The Photographers were led by Dave Boone, Wayne Newman, and Frank Rouse with four hits each. Gary Brinkman was 3 for 3 with a walk for the hard-luck Wolves.

On day three, the Photographers rolled over the A-1 Golfers by a 14-3 count. Frank Rouse again led the way for the Lensmen with two singles and a double, while nobody did much for the Golfers.

In the championship game, the Young Realty team beat the Photographers 18-11. In a well-balanced attack, the Realtors jumped off to a 10-0 lead and cruised to victory. Tom Erpelding, Jeff Jay, Bob Montelione, Gene Granquist, and Brian Jette had three hits each for the winners. Jerry Smith had a perfect 4 for 4 day for Photographers, while Wayne Newman was 3 for 3 with a walk.

Congratulations to Manager Tom Erpelding and his Young Home Team.