Arms shine as Tournament 12 games open

TORONTO — The first day of games at the fourth annual Tournament 12, presented by New Era, was highlighted by the arms featured on Friday at Rogers Centre.

The event hosted by the Blue Jays features more than 160 of the country’s top Draft and college-eligible players competing on the Major League field for more professional scouts and college coaches than at any showcase in the nation. Tournament 12 is named for its commissioner, Hall of Fame second baseman Roberto Alomar, who is joined by fellow alumni coaches Duane Ward; his father, Sandy; Mario Diaz; Lloyd Moseby; Tanyon Sturtze; Devon White; George Bell and Carlos Delgado, all supporting the development of Canadian baseball.

Atlantic Maroon 9, Prairies Purple 0 After trading zeros for four innings, a seven-run fifth propelled the Atlantic squad to a 9-0 win over the reigning tournament champions to open the games portion of the showcase.

“We’ve had one win in the last two years, so to start of with a big win like this against the defending champs is a good way to start the tournament and get momentum going,” said Steve Donahue, coach for the Maroon squad.

Atlantic second baseman Adam Estey had a double, a triple, a walk and five RBIs. Southpaw Garrett Nicholson and 16-year-old righty Ethan Francis combined for the shutout, each fanning eight in the seven-inning game.

“As a 16-year-old coming in, there’s no better spot to come in than a scoreless game, and [Francis] was into it,” Donahue said. “He got the big [offensive] inning right after he came in, so I guess he set the tone for us.”

BC Orange 3, Alberta Red 0 BC Orange pitchers and Canadian Junior National Team hurlers Jack DeCooman and Sam Shoemaker held Alberta Red to just one hit over seven innings in a 3-0 victory.

DeCooman got the start and went four innings, allowing the one hit, walking one and striking out seven. The University of Washington commit was relieved by his North Shore Twins and Team Canada teammate Shoemaker, who walked two and fanned five in three frames.

“That’s kind of what you’re looking for from national team guys — commanding the strike zone, getting ahead of hitters, putting hitters away early — they did a lot of …

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