BANTAM > A’s Ace Expos 9-5


TRAILING 3-0, THE ATHLETICS CLAW BACK IN METHODICAL FASHION TO TOP THE EXPOS AT DOMINICO FIELD

Clockwise from the top: With the bases loaded, Sam (15) delivers a 2 RBI single in the third inning that would eventually propel the A's to victory. Sam went 2 for 2 at the dish with a run scored and 2 RBI's; A's reliever Jerome (3) threw two strong innings to pick up the win [2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 W, 3 K's, 1 HB]. Jerome would also go 3 for 3 [two singles, triple] at the dish with 3 RBI's; A's reliever Ben (4) tossed two strong innings to earn the save [2 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 3 W].

Clockwise from the top: With the bases loaded, Sam (15) delivers a 2 RBI single in the third inning that would eventually propel the A’s to a victory over the Expos. Sam went 2 for 2 at the plate with a run scored and 2 RBI’s; A’s reliever Jerome (3) threw two strong innings to pick up the win [2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 W, 3 K’s, 1 HB]. Jerome would also sparked the A’s offense by going 3 for 3 [two singles, triple] at the dish with 2 RBI’s; A’s reliever Ben (4) tossed two strong innings to earn the save [2 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 3 W].

Beneath a layer of sunny and cloudy skies, the A’s defeated the Expos 9-5 in 4 ½ entertaining innings of Bantam Division action this afternoon at Dominico Field at Christie Pits.

In a well played rock ’em sock ’em affair between two talented squads, the Athletics prevailed because of some solid pitching, strong defense and their ability to take advantage of the offensive opportunities presented to them.

Expos starter Jack (1) threw a scoreless first inning while striking out two A's.

Expos starter Jack (1) threw a scoreless first inning while striking out two A’s.

After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, A’s relief pitchers Jerome (3) and Ben (4) combined to limit the potent Expos batting order to a pair of runs the rest of the game. With the Expos offense in check, the A’s batting order eventually found its rhythm as they erased the early deficit and surged into the lead for good.

The Expos jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning. With one out and the bases loaded, Jack (1) stole home to score the first run of the game. Subsequently, Sasha (9) followed with a clutch two out two RBI single to bring home Alex (13) and Troy (5).

A’s left fielder Ben made a nice throw to catcher Jerome for a nice 7-2 putout at home plate for the first out of the inning. Expos baserunner Max (7) was barreling for home on a flare to left by Troy. However, Ben retrieved the ball and made a laser throw to Jerome to record the out in a bang bang chitty chitty bang bang play at the dish.

Shaken, but not stirred, A’s starter Tim (13) struck out a pair to leave an Expos runner at third to finish off the inning.

In the bottom of the first, Expos starter Jack (1) mowed down a pair of A’s to keep them off the board.

With some solid defense behind him, Athletics reliever Jerome fanned one Expo in the top of the second to keep them off the scoring ledger.

Making hay of three walks, three hits and a pair of errors, the A’s rallied for four in the bottom of the second to take a 4-3 lead. After leading off the inning with a walk, Michael (7) would eventually score after an Expos error. With one out and the bases loaded, Jack (8) would motor home from third on a wild pitch to make it a 3-2 game.

After a single by Sam (15) put two A’s runners on base, Jerome delivered a RBI single to bring Lily (9) home with the tying run. With two outs, Tim stroked a RBI single that allowed Sam to blaze homeward with the go ahead score.

Sasha (9) delivered a clutch 2 RBI single in the first to propel the Expos into an early 3-0 lead.

Sasha (9) delivered a clutch 2 RBI single in the first to propel the Expos into an early 3-0 lead.

However, the Expos answered back with a run in the top of the third to even the proceedings 4-4. After a one out walk, Alex sprinted home from first on an A’s fielding error to tie the game.

A’s reliever Jerome cooly struck out two to subdue the Expos insurgency and close out the inning.

In the bottom of the third, the A’s replied in kind by scoring three to retake the lead 7-4. With one out and the bases loaded, Sam delivered a two RBI single that allowed Michael and Jack to come homeward bound. Jerome followed with a RBI triple that delivered Lily home.

On Jerome’s hit to left centre field, the Expos turned in a scintillating 7-6-2 putout to record the second out. With Lily scoring the A’s third run of the inning, Sam was steaming homeward on the play. However, Expos left fielder Alex retrieved the ball and made a quick throw to shortstop Jack. Jack fired a laser throw to catcher Keegan (12), who tagged Sam out at the dish.

With a little help from his friends, A’s reliever Ben set down the Expos in 1-2-3 fashion to keep them off the scoresheet in the top of the fourth.

The Athletics scored a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth to widen their advantage to 9-4. After a lead off single by Tim to open the frame, Evan (10) stroked a RBI single to bring Tim home. With one out, Jack delivered a RBI double that allowed Evan to motor home.

The Expos turned in a nice 8-7-5 putout to record the second out of the inning. With Jack trying to stretch his double into a triple, Expos centre fielder Alex fetched the ball and made a throw to left fielder Lucas (11). Lucas made a cannon throw to third baseman Jack, who tagged Jack of the A’s out at third base.

Down 9-4, the Expos refused to surrender and gamely loaded the bases with one out in the top of the fifth in a determined comeback bid. A wild pitch by the A’s would allow Jack to bolt home and trim the deficit to four.

However, A’s reliever Ben would induce the next two Expos to fly out to centre fielder Evan to bring the proceedings to a close.