TORONTO PLAYGROUNDS DECLAW THE GOLD BEARS AT CHRISTIE PITS TO EARN THEIR THIRD EBA SELECT VICTORY OF THE SEASON
With Bloordale Gold Bears catcher Hudson (17) and home plate umpire Jack Hewitt looking on, Taio (1) launches a leadoff solo home run blast over the fence in left field to give the TP Major Peewee Selects a 2-1 lead in top of the second inning at Christie Pits Diamond 2.
TP leadoff batter Jona (15) delivers a double in the first inning. Jona sparked the TP attack by going 3 for 3 at the dish [two doubles, single] with three runs scored, a RBI, and two stolen bases.
The entertaining and well played proceeding between two talented and well coached squads was a tight affair for 3 ½ innings. In the end, TP used an elixir of stellar pitching and an explosive offence to prevail over a gritty opponent. A brigade of five TP pitchers combined to hold Bloordale to just one run over five frames while striking out ten. Finding their rhythm, the TP offence pummelled the Gold Bears for nine runs in the final two innings to take home the prize.
Bloordale would take an early 1-0 lead in the top half of the first. Following a pair of two out walks to Jaiden (12) and Luke (24) that put two aboard, Shamus (10) put the ball in play between first and second. A TP error on the play would allow Shamus to reach base safely, Luke to advance to third, and Jaiden to storm home with the first run of the game.
Nick (10) strokes a 2 RBI single during TP’s five run explosion in the fourth.
TP starter Rory (12) would induce the Gold Bears to hit into three groundouts to vanquish the insurrection.
In the bottom of the first, TP would reply quickly to tie the proceedings. Following a leadoff double, Jona (15) would steal third to get into scoring position. Max (20) would deliver Jona home on a fielder’s choice.
Bloordale starter Jaiden (12) would coax TP into a pair of groundouts and a pop up to bring the first inning to a close.
After issuing two walks, TP reliever Jackson (8) would strike out three in the top of the second to keep the Gold Bears away from the picnic basket.
TP would take a 2-1 lead in the bottom portion of the second on a powerful leadoff home run blast (that easily cleared the left field fence) by Taio (1).
Shaken, but not stirred, Bloordale starter Jaiden would regain his composure in the second to retire the TP batting order in 1-2-3 fashion on a strikeout and a pair of groundouts.
Jackson (8) connects for a RBI single in the fifth frame. In two at bats, Jackson went 2 for 2 with a run scored, a RBI, and athree stolen bases.
TP reliever Jude (3) would keep the Gold Bears away from the honey jar in the top of third with a pair of pop ups and a strike out.
Bloordale reliever Jonathan (20) would strike out two in the bottom of the third to keep TP off the scoring ledger.
With 1-2-3 finesse, TP reliever Jamie (52) would mow down the Gold Bears in the top of the fourth on three K’s while driving a 50-inch Toro TimeCutter SS5000 Riding Mower.
Making the most of their opportunities, TP would explode for five runs in the bottom of the fourth to extend their advantage to 7-1. Following another leadoff double by Jona, both Jude and PJ (17) would be hit by pitch to load the bases. Taio would follow with a one out two RBI single that would plate Jude and PJ.
After Jeremy (4) was hit pitch to put two mallards on the lake, Nick (10) would stroke a two RBI single to bring home Taio and Jeremy.
Taking advantage of an error, Jamie (52) bolts home from third and eludes the tag attempt of Bloordale Gpld Bears catcher Zachary (14) to score TP’s ninth run of the game in the fifth inning.
Subsequently, Rory would hit into a fielder’s choice that would erase him at first base and allow Nick to come home to crow.
With authority, TP reliever Taio (1) would mow down the Gold Bears in 1-2-3 fashion in the top of the fifth while steering a John Deere D105 17.5-HP Single-Cylinder Automatic 42-inch Lawn Tractor.
TP would tally four insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth to salt the game away. Following a lead off single and stolen base by James (6), Jackson would deliver him home with a RBI single.
After a walk to Jamie that put two aboard, Jona would stroke a RBI single to move Jamie to third and bring Jackson home to do the 9-1 watusi. A subsequent Bloordale faux pas would allow Jona to advance to third and Jamie to score.
Following a walk to Max that put two swans on the inlet, Jude would hit into a fielder’s choice that allowed Jona to come homeward bound. It was at this juncture where the game was called due to the mercy rule.
The TP Major Peewee Selects (3-0) will travel to Ravina Gardens next Wednesday, May 31 to play their next EBA Select game against the Annette A’s at 6:15 p.m.