WITH BLOW THE MAN DOWN FERVOR, THE BUCCANEERS RALLY FOR FOUR IN THE FINAL INNING TO TAKE THE LEAD AND FEND OFF A TENACIOUS CARDINALS COMEBACK BID TO SEIZE THE GOLD DOUBLOONS OF SWEET VICTORY
Beneath a ceiling of warm summer skies, the Pirates defeated the Cardinals 9-6 in four Heave Ho innings of Mosquito Division Round Robin Tournament play this evening at Christie Pits Diamond 2.
Down 6-5, the Buccaneers rallied in Jolly Roger fashion in the top of the fourth to score four runs and take a 9-6 lead. After Olivia (6) singled to lead off the inning, Jasper (11) and Adi (7) drew a pair of one out walks that loaded the bases. Exercising a keen eye at the dish, Andre (15) followed and earned a RBI walk that brought Olivia home with the tying run.
Next, Lucas (9) stepped into the batter’s box and patiently drew a RBI walk that allowed Jasper to saunter home with the Pirates go ahead (and winning) run.
With the bases still juiced, Jonah (10) would follow with a clutch two RBI single that brought Adi and Andre homeward with a pair of insurance runs.
Trailing by three, the gritty Cardinals refused to surrender. Nigel (4) led off the frame with a powerful blast to right field that seemed destined to fall in for a hit. However, Pirates right fielder Andre battled the glare of the setting sun and utilized his baseball acumen and speed to make a spectacular Gold Glove shoestring catch to record the out.
However, with one out, the tenacious Cards would not quit as they patiently drew a three walks to load the bases.
With the game on the line, Pirates closer Aaron (2) would dig deep into his reserve tank and strike out two Cardinals to seal the deal on a hard fought victory.