By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The home team didn't keep the trophy here but did put on a pretty good show during the 2003 Niles Classic this past weekend.
The Niles Babe Ruth All-Stars lost 4-2 to Chicago in their opening game, then went on to win their next three.
Chicago won the tournament with a perfect record and a 14-10 win over St. Joseph in the championship game.
Chicago….4
Niles………2
Ryne Dowling took the pitching loss for Niles. He went the distance, striking out three and giving up just five hits.
David Cales earned the victory on the mound for Chicago.
Casey Hood had led Niles at the plate with a solo home run. Bubby Carnes added a double while John Kessick, Isaiah Beckman and Dowling each hit a single.
Niles………….4
Kalamazoo….1
Brooks Bonner threw a seven-inning no-hitter for Niles. He struck out 11 batters in the process.
Dillon Webb took the loss for Kalamazoo as Niles tallied six hits.
Bylly Syrette hit a two-run homer for the All-Stars. Chris Singelton added two hits while Bonner and Aaron Holy each hit a single.
Niles……..6
Post 50….3
Kory Bridges picked up the victory for Niles as he went the distance. He struck out eight batters and gave up seven hits.
Steve Young took the loss for Post 50. Niles managed 14 hits.
Aaron Holy led Niles at the plate with a two-run homer and three hits in all. Ryne Dowling hit a pair of home runs, a two-run and a solo.
Bubby Carnes, Bridges and Brooks Bonner had two hits apiece. Brett Beitzel, Billy Syrette and Casey Hood each added a single.
Niles…………7
Buchanan….0
Isaiah Beckman went the distance and earned the victory for the All-Stars. he struck out eight batters and gave up just three hits.
P.J. Pollock took the loss for Buchanan as he struck out three and gave up six hits in the seven-inning effort.
Casey Hood led Niles with a triple. Bubby Carnes, John Kessick, Brooks Bonner, Matt Carlson and Brett Beitzel each hit a single.
Ray Payne, Pollock and Justin Helt each hit a single for Buchanan.
Championship game
Chicago…….14
St. Joseph….10
Each team hit two home runs and St. Joseph managed 16 hits, but Chicago's 14 hits were enough for the victory.
Dan Coultez hit a pair of two-run homers for St. Joseph.
Mark Artner and Griffin Baum each hit a three-run home run for Chicago.
Alex Guttosh earned the pitching victory for Chicago. He struck out two in four innings. Mike Banks took the loss for St. Joseph.