An inability by its pitchers to throw consistent strikes during the regular season will likely force the Upper Perk Kiwanis Junior Legion team to win the Berks County League title on the road. The team enters this weekend's tournament as the likely No. 3 seed, behind the Boyertown Bear Cubs and Perkiomen Valley.

Upper Perk's Stephen Mumford dives safely into second base on Saturday, June 28, against Daniel Boone.  His  team snapped a two-game losing streak the following day.

            The pressure to perform in the tournament, which the Braves will begin at home on Sunday, has been ratcheted up. The winner of the eight-team, double-elimination tourney will qualify for the state tournament. According to Manager Pete Schramm, the winner of the league tournament will be declared the Region 2 champion since it's the only league in the region.

            The team expects to utilize some practice time to improve its fundamentals. According to Schramm, the inability to convert the routine play and too many walks cost Upper Perk a higher playoff seed.

            "We've got to figure it out," Schramm said Sunday afternoon following his team's 6-6 tie against non-league opponent Nether Providence. "With all the rain, we've only had two days to practice this season."

            The Braves (14-6-1) did not lose either of their last two games. They defeated Daniel Boone and played Nether Providence to a 6-6 tie.

            Ethan Robinson pitched them to a 9-3 victory over the Mavriks on Saturday, June 29. He permitted ...