THE ARTFUL DODGERS GROUND THE REDBIRDS AT CHRISTIE PITS TO EARN A TICKET INTO THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
With Cardinals catcher Jude (3) and TP umpire Thomas Roy looking on, Aaron (5) is poised to deliver the Dodgers eventual winning run over the Red Birds in the third inning at Christie Pits Diamond 2. Aaron also pitched two gritty innings of relief to seal the deal on the Dodgers 6-3 Peewee Division semi-final playoff elimination game win over the Cardinals.
Beneath a tranquil ceiling of late summer skies, the Dodgers defeated the Cardinals 6-3 in a five inning semi-final elimination playoff game this evening at Christie Pits Diamond 2 to advance to the Peewee Division Championship Game.
Paul strokes a RBI single in the fourth inning to bring home the Cardinals first run.
The proceeding was a well played and entertaining affair between two talented and well coached teams. In the end, the Dodgers prevailed for the victory by utilizing a combination of solid pitching [three Dodgers pitchers combined for thirteen strikeouts to neutralize the potent Cardinals offense] and making the most of their offensive opportunities.
In the top of the first inning, the Dodgers would jump out to an early 2-0 lead. After Lucas (2) and Joseph (10) garnered walks to lead off the inning, Leo (5) followed with a one out RBI single to bring Lucas home with the opening run of the game.
With a runner at third, Elliott (13) delivered a run scoring sacrifice hit to plate Joseph.
Subsequently, with two outs and the bases loaded, Cardinals starter Alex (9) would strike out one to quell the Dodgers insurgency in the first.
Dodgers starter Lucas (2) would strike out two in the bottom of the first to keep the Cardinals off the scoring ledger and in the birdbath.
Cardinals reliever Rory (12) would induce two groundouts and strike out one in the top of the second to keep the Dodgers off the scoring abacus.
With two aboard, Alex (9) delivers a 2 RBI double in the fourth inning.
The Cardinals threatened in the bottom of the second as they put two runners aboard. However, Dodgers starter Lucas would strike out two three to extinguish the Redbirds rebellion.
In the top of the third, the Dodgers would tally three runs to extend their lead to 5-0. Following a leadoff walk by Jeremy (4), Lucas singled to put two ducks on the pond. Joseph followed with a run scoring sacrifice hit that allowed Jeremy to come homeward.
With a runner on third, Aaron followed with a one out RBI single to bring home Lucas.
With two outs and a runner at third, Elliott delivered a grace under pressure RBI single that allowed Aaron to come home to crow.
The highlight of the inning was a super catch made by Cardinals centre fielder Alex. With two outs and a runner at second, Josh (3) connected on a dying quail to shallow left centre field, However, Alex stretched all out to make a diving catch in the shoestrings of his glove to rob Josh of a hit and prevent the Artful Dodgers from scoring another run.
With a pair of Dodgers on base, Redbirds reliever Louis (1) would strike out two in the top of the fourth to keep them off the scoreboard.
The Artful Dodgers converge to celebrate a hard fought semi-final win over the Redbirds.
The Cardinals offensive machine surged to life in the bottom of the fourth as they scored three to slice the deficit to two. Following a leadoff walk and stolen base by Rory, Paul (15) stroked a RBI single to bring Rory home with the Redbirds first run.
After a double by Louis put two mallards on the lake, Alex delivered a 2 RBI double that allowed Paul and Louis to come home and trim the margin to 5-3.
With no outs and a runner on third, Dodgers reliever Aaron (5) would strike out the next three batters to douse the Cardinals insurrection.
The Dodgers would tack on an insurance run in the top of the fifth to extend their lead to 6-3. After a walk by Jeremy and a single by Lucas to lead off the inning, Aaron drew a one out walk to load the bases. Leo followed with a run scoring sacrifice hit to bring in Jeremy.
Cardinals reliever Louis would find the groove and strike out two in the fifth to extinguish the Dodgers mutiny.
Refusing to go quietly into the night, the pesky Cardinals put two runners on base and bring the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the fifth. However, Dodgers reliever Aaron would strike out three to close out the game and seal the deal on their semi-final victory.
With their semi-final victory, the Dodgers have advanced into Friday’s (September 16) Peewee Division Championship Game. The Dodgers await the winner of the semi-final elimination contest between the Giants and Pirates on Tuesday (September 13) evening at Christie Pits Diamond 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Fans are strongly advised to pick up their tickets for this stellar game at our TP House League Baseball Box Office well in advance of the proceeding. Cash only. No credit or debit cards. Applicable service fees and taxes will apply.