Unlike last year, the weather cooperated enough to hold the Pirate Baseball 2016 Charlestown Invitational this past Saturday.  The Pirates matched up with Booneville (9-8) in game one Saturday, topping the Pioneers from southwestern Indiana 7-5.  Austin Smith got the win from the mound while Dewey Cardwell and Tanner Wesp finished 2 for 3 at the plate and Brandon Love 2-4 with two RBI’s.  The win earned the Pirates a slot in the Invitational Championship Game Saturday evening against a more familiar Pioneer team from Providence; whom routed Lebanon 13-1 in the other first round contest Saturday.  Booneville defeated Lebanon in the consolation game for third place.

Providence came into Saturday’s Charlestown Invitational Championship game ranked #2 in Class 2A, and with a record of 19-2.  The Pirates took the challenge head on, playing good defense in holding the Pioneers to one first inning run off game four hits.  Kelly Rider got the win from the mound for Charlestown, pitching seven innings, and retiring eight Pioneer batters.  Tanner Wesp finished the game 1 for 3 at the plate including a double, and Zach Ramirez finished 1 for 2 with a triple.  Charlestown improved its record to 10-14 on the season with the 2-1 upset victory over Providence.  “I’m very pleased with our effort today and thought the guys came out ready to play. The invitational is always important to us and is a great preparation for postseason play so it’s nice to get a couple of quality wins against real good competition.”, commented Head Pirate Coach Ricky Romans.  Pirates Brandon Love, Kelly Rider, and Tanner Wesp where all named to the All Invitational team.

Charlestown will host Salem Monday (May 16th) while also recognizing the 11-12 Charlestown Little League team prior to the 5:30 pm first pitch; as well as SENIOR DAY ceremonies after the game.