NOrth Delta, B.C.  –  A mathematical equation was all that stood between the Prince George Lomak Knights peewee baseball team and the playoffs at the John Main Classic baseball tournament in North Delta.

The Knights dropped a 9-8 decision to Duncan on Friday, in the opener, then bounced back with outstanding efforts on Saturday — a 5-3 win over host North Delta, then a 10-9 victory over Abbotsford in the final pool game.

Abbotsford, Prince George and Duncan all ended up with 2-1 records. Prince George finished 0.1 back of Abbotsford in the runs against/defensive innings tiebreaker. Duncan was third. Only the pool winner advances in the 16-team elite tournament for 11-12-year-olds.

Dustin Aldana was the winning pitcher in the Abbotsford game, in relief, after Nigel Thompson’s strong starting performance. Jordan Arnett got the save. Cole Schwing scored on Michael Taylor’s infield single for the eventual winning run.

A five-run third inning was key for the Knights.

"These young players played like young men, very mature and they never quit on anything all weekend," said coach Jim Swanson.

"We scored most of our runs with two outs — clutch, character at-bats. Prince George and our youth baseball association can be very proud, this is a special group of baseball players."

Zach Swanson was named player of the game for key defensive work at short, in particular a diving play and throw in the final inning. Michael Schwab, who led the team with an .800 average over the three games, made another diving play to end the game.

The Knights now get ready for major tournaments in Kamloops and Kelowna in July, and provincials in Chilliwack in August.