Pitcher Chris Boertje Photo Credit: Tim Corbey --(view larger image)

The Monarchs ended the Great Lakes season with a 9-7 loss to the Licking CountySettlers.  It was Veterans appreciation day at Don Edwards Stadium and the Monarchs had their own veteran on the mound in starter Chris Boertje. Boertje served a 9 month tour of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army. Boertje pitches for Siena Heights Universityin Adrian, Michigan and missed his entire Sophomore year while serving his tour of Iraqin 2008. 

The Monarchs battled the entire game and did not show any signs of giving up despite the fact that they were out of the running for a GLL Playoff spot.  Kolbrin Vitek continued his scorched earth policy by launching a rocket over the left field wall in his first at bat giving him a total of 6 for the Great Lakes League home run title.Kevin Gillespie was 2-5 on the day and Matt Dittman was 2-3.  Zach Lammers (University of Dayton/Brookville, OH) was 3-5 for the Monarchs. Cody Grice alsohad an impressive double that  hit the left center fence. Boertje took the loss on the mound giving up 8 earned runs in 4 innings. Tim Corbey and Brian Koehl each threwtwo innings of relief. 

Many of the Monarchs age 20 and under players will participate in the AAABA WorldSeries in Johnstown, Pennsylvania starting August 10th.  The team will be lead by outfielders Cody Grice, and Nate Sarkissian, infielders Ricky Lizcano and Mike Frigo along with catcher Jon Ponte. The pitching staff will include pitchers, Pat Ludwig, Dan Bream, Andrew Parker, Eric Vaughan and Ryan Domschot who all contributed valuable innings in Great Lakes League play.