Baseball in Fort Wayne

Competing in 10 games over 7 days, the Summit City Sluggers captured the CABA World Series July 25th, held in and around Westfield, IN. The tournament included 37 teams, some from as far away as Panama and Brazil.

The Sluggers came from behind to defeat the Louisville Panthers 10-8 in 8 innings in the final championship game. Tailur Szarenski drove in the game-winning run in the top of the 8th with a double to right-center, chasing home Andy Roser. Justin Bair then drove in the insurance run with a double down the left field line. Ryan Keaffaber earned the pitching victory, throwing the final 3 innings while allowing just 2 baserunners.

In order to reach the championship, the Sluggers advanced through the winner’s bracket by defeating the #9 seed Hilliard (OH) Colts 11-4, the #1 seed Columbus (OH) Cobras 4-1, the #4 seed Indiana Bulls 12-4, and the #7 seed Panthers 12-0. The Panthers beat the Sluggers 12-11 in the first championship game, setting up the dramatic finale. The Sluggers went 3-1 during pool play defeating the Middletown (KY) Bats 5-2, the Springfield (OH) Pythons 13-4 and The First Nine (OH) 14-3, and were beaten by the White Sox Elite (IL) 8-7, resulting in an 8 seed for the Sluggers after pool play.

For the week, Evan Brown (3), Matt Chronister, Keaffaber (2) , Garrett Snyder, and Roser all earned pitching victories. Braydin Stell, Josh VanMeter (2), Snyder (2), Chronister (2) and Austin Dettmer all earned holds, and Keaffaber earned 2 saves . Dettmer and Brown each suffered a loss.

Offensively, the Sluggers were paced by VanMeter, who batted .667 scored 19 runs and had 11 RBI. Brown hit .654 with 15 runs and 20 RBI. Roser hit .455 with 10 runs and 15 RBI. Keaffaber hit 419 with 9 runs and 9 RBI. Szarenski hit .382 with 8 runs and 5 RBI. Zach McKinstry hit .367 with 11 runs and 7 RBI. Dettmer hit .348 with 10 runs and 9 RBI. Bair hit .333 with 5 runs and 7 RBI. Snyder hit .219 with 5 runs and 8 RBI. Chronister hit .200 with a run. Drew Schnitz scored 3 runs and had an RBI.

Pictured, left to right: Front row; Justin Bair, Zach McKinstry, Drew Schnitz, Josh VanMeter, Austin Dettmer, Braydin Stell. Back row; Coach Darol VanMeter, Ryan Keaffaber, Andy Roser, Coach Alex McKinstry, Garrett Snyder, Matt Chronister, Coach Neil Brown, Evan Brown, Tailur Szarenski, Coach Greg VanMete

Note: The above photo and information was sent to be today by Jim Shovlin. 

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