Pete's Blues extends title streak to three at Kelso Klassic

Pete's Blues ruled the Kelso Klassic for the third straight year and had a historic performance in the process.

The team from Mascoutah, Ill., became the first squad to win three consecutive championships as the 29th annual 14-team men's fastpitch softball tournament ended Sunday at Kelso City Park.

Pete's Blues went 4-0 in the tournament, capped by a 3-2 win over the Stix from Bloomington, Ill.

The Stix, making their first tournament appearance since capturing the title in 2007, also lost to Pete's Blues 3-2 in Saturday night's winners bracket final.

"It's a great accomplishment to win three straight championships here," said Jerry Wolsey, the tournament media coordinator. "That's why they're such a good team and make the world tournament every year."

The Kelso Klassic served as an International Softball Congress qualifier as Pete's Blues advances to the ISC World tournament in August.

The Topeka (Kan.) Toros, last year's runner-up, finished third.

Pablo Masmu of Pete's Blues was named the tournament's most valuable pitcher. He went 3-0 while allowing just four hits and no earned runs in 15 2/3 innings. He threw a perfect game against Franny's Ole Irish Pub from Springfield, Ill.

"He had a dominant tournament," Wolsey said.

The tournament MVP award went to Jonathan Lynch of host Kelso Fastpitch, which finished tied for fifth.

Lynch, a 2012 Notre Dame Regional High School graduate who was a member of last year's USA Softball Junior Men's National Team, made his first Kelso Klassic appearance a memorable one. He batted .667 (8 for 12) with two triples, a double, four RBIs and three stolen bases.

"He had an outstanding tournament. His stats were against some of the top pitchers in the tournament," Wolsey said.

Host Kelso Fastpitch, after finishing fourth last summer for its best showing in years, had another solid tournament.

Kelso Fastpitch went 2-2, rolling in its first two games before losing to champion Pete's Blues 8-4 in Saturday night's winners bracket semifinals and to the third-place Topeka Toros 3-1 on Sunday in an elimination contest.

"We were right there, but every team here is very good." said Wolsey, who plays for Kelso Fastpitch.

Wolsey said things couldn't have gone much better during the three-day event that again featured big crowds. The weather generally cooperated except for a rain delay Sunday.

"It was another very good tournament," Wolsey said.