The Tribune

Inter-island play between junior baseball leagues throughout the country continues to thrive with the recent hosting of the first Bahamas Baseball Federation Mini Island Tournament.

Freedom Farm took the championship game with a 7-5 win over Grand Bahama in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.

According to BBF executives, many thanks were given to Larry Forbes, president of the Eleuthera Junior Baseball League of Rock Sound, his executive team and the volunteers for doing an outstanding job in hosting the tourney.

Freedom Farm pitcher Michael Rolle was named most valuable player.

The gold medal game did not disappoint as the powerhouses Freedom Farm and Grand Bahama clashed for the second time in as many days.

Grand Bahama was looking to avenge the loss led by Ace Kanish Thomas.

With Thomas on his game, Grand Bahama led Freedom Farm 5-2 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning.

Thomas, despite seven strike-outs on the day, had a rough fourth inning with four walks and two critical errors, including a two out base hit by Rolle.

When the inning was over, the Freedom Farm had taken control of Grand Bahama 7-5.

The next two innings, Freedom Farm's defence and pitching closed the door to earn them the gold medal game in come-from-behind fashion once again - their second game against Grand Bahama.

Four teams - Freedom Farm, Grand Bahama Little League, Spanish Wells Divers and host team Rock Sound - took part in the tournament.

In the bronze medal game, Rock Sound won 7-3 over Spanish Wells.

Backed by an eager community cheering squad, the Rock Sound home team took an early 4-0 lead and never looked back en route to the win and bronze medal in their first ever tournament.

Fans at the baseball diamond in Rock Sound were treated to a number of thrilling performances during the round robin round, highlighted by the first Grand Bahama and Freedom Farm matchup.

Both Freedom Farm and Grand Bahama were riding high coming into their final round robin game with identical 2-0 records.

In the first inning, Freedom Farm roared first with a monster home run from their starting pitcher and championship MVP Michael Rolle.

Grand Bahama responded and with two out in their half of the first with a runner on second, their starting pitcher Brandon Russell showed his power with a two run shot to right field. They added another run in the third to take a 3-1 lead.

In the top of the fourth, Freedom Farm would regain the lead. With runners on second and third and Rolle once again at the plate, he faced a 1-1 count and drove the next pitch off the right field fence to tie the game at 3-3 with a two run home run.

At the end of six innings, Freedom Farm had come from behind to defeat Grand Bahama 6-3 and set the stage for a big battle in the gold medal game.

The BBF also offered congratulations to Pastor Lincoln Young who received a plaque for Outstanding Service for his lifetime commitment to youth mentorship and youth baseball development on Eleuthera.

The next BBF Mini 9/10 tournament is set for Marsh Harbour, Abaco, May 11-13.

Round Robin Results:

Game 1: Grand Bahama 19 - Spanish Wells 2

Game 2: Freedom Farm 11 - Rock Sound 0

Game 3: Freedom Farm 15 - Spanish Wells 2

Game 4: Grand Bahama 16 - Rock Sound 2

Game 5: Grand Bahama 3 - Freedom Farm 6

Game 6: Spanish Wells 6 - Rock Sound 5

Bronze Medal Game:

Rock Sound 7 - Spanish Wells 3

Gold Medal Game:

Grand Bahama 5 - Freedom Farm 7

Most Valuable Player - MVP:

Michael Rolle - 3 Home Runs/Winning

Pitcher of Game of Championship