With the goal of a provincial baseball title in their sights, two talented young West Shore players have been proving their mettle on a regionwide all-star squad.

Triangle players Julian Cull and Ryder Green are part of the Victoria Red Eagles Mosquito B次元官网网址楢B次元官网网址� baseball team, composed of the best nine-year-old players from across Greater Victoria Baseball AssociationB次元官网网址檚 member parks.

After winning the Vancouver Island Championship July 26 and 27, the Eagles hosted the Mosquito A provincial championships last weekend at SidneyB次元官网网址檚 Rotary Park, after the B次元官网网址 Gazette went to press.

After completing their spring seasons with their local associations, Julian, Ryder and their teammates came together as the Eagles to work toward the goal of a B.C. championship. The team previously won KelownaB次元官网网址檚 Valley of Champions tournament July 11 to 13.

B次元官网网址淏oth Julian and Ryder have been key contributors to the success of this team that has had a terrific summer season on the field,B次元官网网址� says head coach Dave Swinton.

The team recently went 5-0 at the prestigious Valley of Champions tournament in Kelowna, and both boys picked up a game most valuable player award for their efforts. The Red Eagles followed that up with an impressive Vancouver Island championship, with both boys playing key roles in the three victories required to secure the gold medal.

Ryder, entering Grade 5 at Eagle View elementary in View Royal, has had innings in the outfield and shortstop, but says he especially enjoys the challenge of pitching, all the more remarkable given this is his first year playing baseball.

B次元官网网址淚 like being competitive and having fun with all my teammates,B次元官网网址� Ryder says.

His coaches appreciate RyderB次元官网网址檚 versatility. B次元官网网址淗e has been asked to play several positions and has done well in any spot I have put him. In addition, he has a real knack for getting on base, which is huge for us,B次元官网网址� Swinton says.

Julian, entering Grade 5 at Happy Valley elementary in Langford, has smacked two home runs this season, in addition to successful innings in centrefield, catching and on the mound.

B次元官网网址淛ulian has led the team in hitting right from the beginning of the summer season. He has such a mature swing that IB次元官网网址檓 not sure I have ever seen a hitter this accomplished at his age. HeB次元官网网址檚 hitting the ball as hard as players three and four years older,B次元官网网址� Swinton says.

At the start of what may well be a long and successful baseball career, how long does Julian anticipate playing? B次元官网网址淗opefully until the MLB!B次元官网网址� he says.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com