Joel Cooley pitched well for Tin Cup, but lost a tough game to the Cal State Builders in the opening game for both teams in the 2015 ISC World Tournament in South Bend, Ind. Photo by Bob Otto / 2014 NAFA World Series
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Tin Cup of St. Paul, Minn. is making its first appearance in the ISC World Tournament. On Saturday, the ball club comprised of several players under the age of 25, played its first game in the most competitive men’s fastpitch tournament in the world.
The outcome wasn’t what they wanted, but then again a 4-0 loss to the Cal State Builders, one of the better teams in the tournament – and a team fresh off winning the NAFA Open World Series – certainly isn’t anything to be embarrassed about.
The Cal State Builders scored a single run in the second inning and then plated three more in the fourth, to secure its first win in the tournament that features 42 of the best club teams in North America.
Shawn Koster – the Most Valuable Pitcher in the NAFA Open World Series – hurled a three-hit shutout along with 10 strikeouts to pick up the win.
Tin Cup’s Joel Cooley – recognized as one of Minnesota’s top pitchers – allowed just six hits and three earned runs, with six strikeouts to take the loss.
Trevor Knight opened the second inning by blasting a home run, and in the fourth, Scott Anderson hit a two-run triple that sealed the win.
Tin Cup did threaten twice. In the first inning, James Harris and Dave Marchio hit back-to-back singles putting runners at first and third, but Koster got a strikeout to end the inning. Then in the third, Josh Albers doubled with one out, but again Koster toughened, getting a strikeout and infield fly to escape unscathed.
Knight led the Builders, going 2-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBI, a double and home run. And Mike Koentopp, Scott Andersen (2 RBI), Guillermo Patat and Ryan Martin each had one hit.
For Tin Cup, Albers, Harris, Marchio each had one hit.
Tin Cup returns to action on Monday, while the Builders face a second strong team when they take on Pennsylvania Power, Sunday, at 8:30 p.m. at the Belleville Softball Complex.
